Stories from the Collective...

Assertiveness Related to Collaboration

by Mark Sheldon
(Huddersfield)

The skill of assertiveness may be closely related to that of collaboration.

That's according to Nobel Peace Prize Winner Adam Smith, anyway.

In conflict management theory people can either avoid, compete, compromise or collaborate. And I believe Adam Smith demonstrated mathematically that collaboration yields much greater "utility" (satisfaction) for both parties than any of the other options.

Collaboration is dependent upon both parties being able to openly reflect on the situation considering the others' side i.e. assertiveness. This requires dialogue rather than discussion and dominating behaviour impairs the ability to collaborate.


STEVE COMMENT:
Very interesting indeed, Mark (who also lives in sunny Huddersfield(!), like me). I would never have thought about looking at assertiveness from such a mathematical viewpoint.

It is encouraging, though, that even mathematics thinks that win-win is the best solution! :-)

Anybody else got thoughts on what assertiveness means to them? Please share! :-)

[STEVE'S GENERAL COMMENT]
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