April | 2015 | Susan L. Farrell, MBA

This is a very condensed presentation on assertiveness. The title is The 3 R’s of Assertiveness. (An alternative title is Don’t Act Like Prey!) The 3 R’s are relationships, rights, and respect.

We all have professional and personal relationships. Within each of these relationship we and the other party have certain rights. When we do not respect ourselves and our rights, we are passive. When we do not respect others and their rights, we are aggressive. When we respect both ourselves and others, we are assertive.

I published this presentation previous in a series of five segments. If you did not have an opportunity to watch the segments, I hope you will learn something in this one that will help you achieve the success you want.

Equal Partnerships (Video)

Throughout these blogs we have talked about you. Your rights. Your responsibilities. Your choices. Your life.

It is necessary to remember, though, that everything we have discussed applies to everyone. This means, that if you are in a committed relationship, your partner is just as important as you are. The life he wants is just as important as the life you want. Not more important, but as important.

I think a committed relationship should be an equal partnership. Each person should work equally hard, take on equal responsibility, and give as much support as he or she expects to receive. It is necessary for both people to work together to determine how their life together will meet their individual desires and goals. It may take some negotiating.

The opposite of an equal partnership is a double standard. That is where it is all about one person and about what that one person wants. If you are in a double standard relationship, and it is all about him, can you change things? If not, is it worth staying in that relationship? If you are in a double standard relationship, and it is all about you, remember that he has the same rights as you do and can leave you. You might want to make changes before that happens.

An equal partnership is a beautiful relationship. I recommend that you always remember that your partner, and what he wants, is as important as you, and what you want.