Developing Confident and Assertive Behaviours

The programmes within this Communication pillar are not “off-the-shelf” courses. They are designed as a menu of development options that can be combined, adapted and shaped to reflect what is really happening inside your organisation. What initially presents as a “communication problem” frequently turns out to be something deeper – a question of confidence, trust, conflict, influence or clarity of management.

These outlines are therefore best read as catalysts for discussion – prompts to help you reflect on how people currently communicate, where friction or misunderstanding arises and what kind of development will genuinely shift behaviour. In practice, the most effective solutions often draw on complementary elements from across our other pillars – Personal Development, Management and Leadership, Business Development and Senior-Level Leadership and Talent Development. Every intervention we deliver is built in partnership with you, around your culture, your people and the outcomes you need to achieve.

By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of confidence and assertiveness in workplace success
• Recognise common barriers to assertiveness and practical ways to overcome them
• Communicate clearly and respectfully using assertive techniques
• Apply confident strategies in difficult interactions, including conflict and feedback conversations
• Demonstrate assertive behaviours that support leadership presence and positive influence
• Integrate confident and assertive approaches into everyday communication

1. Foundations of Confidence and Assertiveness

• Why confidence matters in modern organisations
• Identifying personal barriers and mindset shifts

2. Building Personal Confidence

• Techniques to strengthen self-belief
• Managing inner dialogue and overcoming self-doubt

3. Assertive Communication Techniques

• Expressing opinions and needs clearly
• Maintaining boundaries while respecting others

4. Managing Challenging Interactions

• Using assertiveness in conflict situations
• Responding constructively to feedback and criticism

5. Confidence in Professional Settings

• Enhancing presence and influence
• Applying assertiveness in stakeholder discussions and decision-making

6. Embedding Assertive Habits

• Practical behavioural tools for daily use
• Sustaining personal development over time

There are no specific prerequisites for this course.

Attendees may also be subsequently interested in

• Developing Negotiation Skills
• Human Relations and Interpersonal Skills

This programme is suitable for anyone who wants to:

• Strengthen personal confidence and presence
• Communicate more assertively in a professional environment
• Set boundaries while maintaining positive working relationships
• Navigate challenging conversations with greater ease and clarity

Applicable across all roles, levels and industries.