I found it interesting the timing, delivery, and discussion that was shared in class a few weeks ago, which felt ironic to the group process and cohesion of the community within. A few weeks back now, we studied the chapter in our community practice book (Hardcastle and Powers, 1994) on using self in community practice and assertiveness. It was ironic in that the discussion/lecture on assertiveness followed a break though moment of communication and miscommunication amongst our class as a community. The aggressive and passive aggressive behaviors that were taking place surfaced to a peak of disequilibrium in which we could no longer ignore and attention was needed in moving forward from the past. Once this shift was achieved, the idea of the use of self (in the text as a social worker, but I think applies to all facets of life), became an interesting and important discussion to reflect on.
So often in my work as a social work intern, and in my work facilitating anger management groups with both teens and adults, the idea of aggressive, passive –aggressive, and assertiveness has come into play. As I grow both professionally and personally, this is the one area I have felt the most challenged in. Hardcastle and Powers (1994) may call this “expansion of self” and “becoming more mindful.” As I have told many of my clients, awareness is the first step in change, and I believe it can also apply here. Understanding our role, how we perceive ourselves, and others and how we choose to respond are important in practicing assertiveness. I think for most, and true for me, assertiveness is a learned behavior that takes time to perfect, and even so, is one of those skills that just never goes away from perfecting. I think another piece I’ve experienced in assertiveness in the work world is the idea of confidence in the work I’m doing, as well as the belief that I can make positive change (both in agency policy/politics, but also with the populations served). “Assertion is the act of standing up for one’s own basic human rights without violating the basic human rights of others” (Hardcastle and Powers, 1994, p. 218).
Our text also notes the importance of critical thought, self-examination, making judgments, and taking positive actions. From my experience, the type of relationship given greatly affects the depth and breadth of critical thought and assertiveness put into practice. For example, I use different skills when it comes to interacting with my family then I do with friends, classmates, co-workers, and so forth. How does my belief about these relationships change my behaviors? For me, it means understanding my strengths and limitations, in knowing my place, understanding and believing in my confidence, and my resilience toward resistance and conflict. As Hardcastle and Powers (1994) state, healthy assertiveness transmits to a sense of empowerment, personal power, advocacy, client (and self) self-determination, behavior modification, personal comfort, and ethics.
Hardcastle, D. & Powers, P. (1994). Community Practice. New York. Oxford University Press.
What agency gave the workshop? Thank you!
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