The Assertive Woman [Paperback]

Stanlee Phelps (Author), Nancy Austin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997

Do you want to restore balance in your life? Say no and draw the line with confidence? Make the right choices? Face up to challenges and changes with courage?

With the new edition of THE ASSERTIVE WOMAN, now you can. This classic bestseller, revised and updated, is an original and lively self-help resource, packed with tested exercises, step-by-step guides, and solid advice on how to express yourself with co-workers, authority figures, lovers, family, and friends.

THE ASSERTIVE WOMAN debunks the tired old myths and stereotypes of women bosses, stay-at-home moms, "bully broads," and superwomen, and presents a refreshing, positive alternative.

From breaking out of the Compassion Trap and countering manipulation, to nurturing a hardy spirit and reaching out to friends and lovers, THE ASSERTIVE WOMAN delivers real answers and steadfast support to real women everywhere.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a must for any woman..." -- Doubleday Book Club

"...guide to a more rewarding life for women..." -- King Features Syndicate

"...more than a book, it is a process... clearly written... good reading." -- Los Angeles Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

The new edition of THE ASSERTIVE WOMAN is especially helpful for: --Women who need help expressing themselves --Individuals working in organizational, business, educational and counseling settings --Psychology and women's programs at colleges and universities --Curious readers who want to know more about assertiveness for women --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Impact Pub; 3rd edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886230056
• ISBN-13: 978-1886230057
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,342,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful...a good place to start, May 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Assertive Woman (Paperback)

I have found this book very helpful. It gave a lot of examples of assertive and non-assertive behavior and helped me identify my non-assertive actions. I always thought I had a lot of self-confidence and high self-esteem, but recently I discovered that on the surface I do and that inside I really must not. I am currently leaving a verbally abusive relationship, and this book is giving me the confidence and strength (along with a few other books) to make sure I'm treated with the repect and love that every woman (person) is entitled to.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Standing up for yourself doesn't mean being nasty., August 14, 2001

By 

Eva Rosenberg (Las Vegas, NV, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Assertive Woman (Paperback)

I read this book just around the time I started to build my own tax practice.

Why? Only because my first corporate client was Stanlee Phelps' Career Concerns. And it seemed wise to read my client's book.

What an eye-opener!

For someone starting out on their own (man or woman), it was THE best book I could have picked up.

Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin provided tangible information about how to get what you want or to make your point. They did it, though, by imparting a sense of grace and sanity, not present in the days of Women's Lib. (Don't worry, the Feminist feelings do run strong in the book.)

Their questions and exercises helped me learn so much about myself. It made it much easier to make the changes necessary to become a success in business. (And, inadvertantly, it helped me overcome my fear of public speaking. And how!)

One of the best lessons I took away from that book, (to paraphrase)

"Just because you CAN be assertive, doesn't mean you always should."

Holding my tongue, at times, has gotten me greater rewards than speaking up - just because I could.

If you're out there selling your products or services, making bids on contracts, working with contractors and staff...even if you're a man, pick this book up. It's a quick read

I've never told Stanlee quite what an effect this book had on me. But, really, it was remarkable. Thank you!

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Assertive Woman, October 1, 2002

By 

Debra J. Reed (Ojai, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Assertive Woman (Personal Growth) (Paperback)

Congratulations to Stanlee Phelps and Nancy Austin on the 4th edition of their book, "The Assertive Woman". They've been at it since 1974 (I've gotten each edition and referred them to my clients during my 30 years as a career and management consultant and coach.) This revised and updated edition continues to be a timely, relevant and reliable resource for women as they navigate the landmines on their assertiveness journeys. The book offers real-world examples, communication guidelines, self-awareness exercises and lessons learned in the authors' work with corporate and entrepreneurial women. (And I believe the solid advice and information is valid for all women of all ages regardless of their work status.... especially young women in high school and college who are just starting their assertiveness journeys.) I found the 14 page Resource Guide an especially helpful tool as it includes additional books, articles, newsletters, videos, websites, and professional associationsas available for any woman to find what she needs to support her in her assertiveness journey. I also loved the cover. Every photo has an interesting story behind it to convey that one size of assertiveness does not fit all! And it shows how far we've come.....