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How to be taken seriously in shops

Have you ever felt as if you couldn’t deal with a difficult situation because you don’t know what to do?

Found it hard to deal with bad behaviour without losing your rag?

Do you feel people take advantage of you because you try to avoid an argument and don't stick up for yourself?

If so you need to know how to be assertive.

Difficult situations arise by conflict. Conflict can happen because we are all individuals who have different backgrounds, values, beliefs and priorities.

It is important to know yourself and how assertive you are and your strengths and weaknesses when dealing with others.

Tips on how to deal with difficult behaviour, in an assertive way.

1.     Are you the right person to deal with this? Perhaps you’re not right because you are angry, personally involved or not confident that you can deal with the behaviour in a satisfactory way.

2.     Ask yourself if it’s right time to deal with the behaviour. Give yourself time to think.

3.     Make sure you have as much information and as many facts as possible. Make sure they are accurate.

4.     Talk to the person one on one. If there are a lot of people opposing you, it might be best to arrange a private talk with the main person concerned at a later date.

5.     Keep calm, don't lose your temper

6.    Discuss the behaviour with the person involved, let them have their say.

7.     Make it clear that you have a problem with the person’s behaviour not themselves.

8.     Give them the chance to change or correct their behaviour.

9.      Be clear and consistent - decide exactly what outcome you want and make sure you tell the other person. If there is room for negotiation or compromise, make sure you let the other person know this and that you are prepared to negotiate.

10. If you feel threatened at any time, walk away. You can always arrange to meet another day or write to the person.

So remember:

·       Difficult situations can happen, as we are all different people.

·       You need to handle situations in an assertive manner rather then aggressively.

·       Being assertive can improve the way you feel. You can feel positive, calm, enthusiastic, confident, satisfied, respectful of others and energetic.

·       If you can’t deal with the situation, get some help from someone who can.

·       Remember these 5 top tips on assertiveness:

1.    Spot conflict

2.    Understand it

3.    Look for a win/win situation and negotiate it

4.    Act at the right time.

5.    Check out the results.

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