Welcome

Lesson 1:
Awareness

Lesson 2:
Assertiveness

Lesson 3:
Criticism, Morale
& Reduced Stress

Lesson 4:
Strategies

Lesson 5:
Moving Forward

Post Test

Instructions
& Help

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Your Progress

4A

 

Lesson 4: Strategies for Change

A. Options & Strategies for Dealing with Excuses & Helplessness

Review these suggestions and check any that you might find helpful in your work. Feel free to print the page as a reminder.

Gently point out inaccuracies of the excuses. Give evidence if possible.

Get him/her to generate alternatives. Don't solve his/her problem for him/her.

Accept the excuses as valid and ask how they can be remedied.

Indicate how you are feeling and what you need.

Establish a contract or agreement.

Reduce the potential dangers of changing behavior.

State responsibilities and expectations.

Build confidence and self-esteem.

Accentuate the positive.

Encourage small steps toward change.

Ask questions which lead the person to see alternatives.

Look for causes of the excuses.

Serve as a role model.

Provide training or necessary information.

Reward improvements.

Refer to a professional.

Get the person to fill out a relevant self-assessment form.

Assign a task that requires a change.

Ask the person to cite the advantages of changing.

 

 

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About this Lesson

Lesson 4 points out strategies to approach problematic situations and people.

A. Strategic Tips: Dealing with excuses and helplessness.

B. Handling Complainers: Identifying, understanding, and coping with whiners.

C. Dealing with Hostility: Tips for defusing hostile or aggressive types.

D. What to Do with the Know-It-All: Techniques for working with highly opinionated people.

E. How to Treat Super-Agreeable People: Getting the best from the nice guys.

F. Coping with the Silent Type: Ways to communicate with the uncommunicative.