FYBCom Sem 2 Assertive Skill Questions and Answers

Assertive skills    -      Thinking About Soft Skills  

1.       What is assertiveness?

Answer: Assertiveness is about expressing your views, opinions, thoughts, needs, and feelings honestly and confidently but respectfully. It means standing up for yourself without being aggressive or too passive.

(It's an important skill for clear and healthy communication. It is your ability to speak about your need and point of view positively and confidently without hurting others’ feelings or thinking.)

2.       How is assertiveness different from aggression?

Answer: Assertiveness is about expressing yourself honestly and respectfully, while considering others' feelings. It's like playing fair in a game. Aggression, on the other hand, is like playing to win at any cost, often disregarding others.

Aggression is trying to win without caring about others. Assertiveness is fair, while aggression is selfish.

(Assertiveness is positively putting forward your opinion without creating hurt. Aggression is trying to do or say something at any cost, without understanding other’s feelings or thinking.)

3.       What are the characteristics of an assertive person?

Answer:  An assertive person:

 Shares their thoughts and feelings openly.

 Respects others' rights and boundaries/limits.

 Listens carefully to others.

 Stays calm and doesn’t get angry.

 Looks for solutions that work for everyone.

 Sets clear limits and they understand their own rights and responsibilities.

 Is confident and respectful. They are not shy or afraid to say no to what is not right for them.   

4. Why do employers prefer assertive candidates? 

Answer:  Employers prefer assertive candidates because they:

 Communicate clearly.

 Solve problems calmly and fairly.

 Take action and show leadership.

 Respect others and set good boundaries.

 Negotiate well.

 Work well in teams.

 Handle changes and challenges easily.

Activity: Preparing Role Plays

1.    A twenty-twenty cricket match is going to be held in your town a few days before your semester examination. Some of your friends plan to watch the game instead of preparing for the examination. You have to refuse to join them politely but firmly. However, you must not lose their good will. You will need at least three students for this role play.

     Answer: 

Chirag is excited about the upcoming cricket match and approaches Bhavesh and Dhruv.

Chirag: Hey, have you heard about the T20 match happening this weekend? It's going to be awesome! We should definitely go watch it!

Bhavesh: Well, Chirag, it does sound like a great match, but we have our semester exams coming up in just a few days. I really need to focus on studying.

Dhruv: Yeah, I agree with Bhavesh. Exams are really important, and I don't want to risk not doing well in them.

 Chirag: I get it; exams are crucial. But couldn't we just watch the match and then study later?

Bhavesh: I understand the temptation, but I'm afraid if I go to the match, I won't be able to concentrate on studying afterward. I don't want to risk my grades.

Dhruv: Chirag, I really value your friendship, but I think it's best for me to skip the match and focus on studying. Maybe we can plan to hang out after the exams?Chirag: You guys make a valid point. I appreciate your honesty and responsibility. Let's definitely plan something fun after the exams. Good luck with you studies!

          Bhavesh and Dhruv: Thanks, Chirag! We'll definitely catch up later! 

2. Your classmate has come back from the US after making a presentation in a technical seminar. You feel envious, yet you have to congratulate him. How do you do it?

Answer: 

Arvind: Hey, I just got back from the seminar in the US! It was an amazing experience, and I even got to present my research.

Sunil: That's really great, Arvind. I can't deny I'm a bit envious of your opportunity, but I must say, it's an incredible achievement.

Arvind: Thanks, Sunil. I really appreciate your honesty, and I understand how you might feel. It was a fantastic experience, and I wish you could have been there too.

Sunil:  I'm genuinely happy for you, Arvind. It's just that I wish I could have had such a chance as well. Congratulations on your presentation. It must have been a lot of hard work.

Arvind: Thanks, Sunil. Your kind words mean a lot. Let's catch up, and I'll share some of the highlights from the seminar. I think you'd find them interesting.

Sunil: That sounds like a great idea, Arvind. I'd love to hear more about it.

3.  Your teacher tells you to submit your assignment tomorrow. You have to politely request your teacher to allow you to submit the assignment two days later. 

Answer:

Yogesh: Excuse me, Teacher, I wanted to discuss the assignment due tomorrow. I've encountered an unexpected situation that's making it difficult for me to meet the deadline.

Teacher: Of course, Yogesh. What seems to be the issue?

Yogesh: Well, I've had some family emergencies that have required my attention, and I'm finding it challenging to complete the assignment on time. I believe I would be able to submit it in two days instead.

Teacher: I understand that you're going through a tough time. I appreciate you letting me know. Can you provide me with some more details about the situation?

Yogesh: Certainly, Teacher. My family member is unwell and has been hospitalized. I've had to spend a significant amount of time at the hospital and, as a result, haven't been able to focus on the assignment as much as I would have liked.

Teacher: I'm really sorry to hear about your family member's situation. In this case, I can grant you a two-day extension for the assignment. Please make sure to submit it by next Monday. 

Yogesh: Thank you so much, Teacher. I truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility. I will make sure to submit the assignment by the new deadline.

Teacher: Take your time, Yogesh, and if you need any further assistance or have questions regarding the assignment, feel free to reach out.

●      Proverbs on Assertive Skills:  (03 marks)

1.      He who asks is a fool for five minutes but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.

Answer: This proverb means that it's perfectly okay to ask questions, even if you're worried about appearing foolish for a short time. When you ask questions, you may feel that someone will take you as a fool. But you should not feel ashamed of asking question because if you don’t ask you will remain fool forever.

When you ask questions, you gain knowledge and become wiser. It's better to ask questions and gain knowledge rather than staying in the dark forever.

2.      Kill your enemies with your kindness.

Answer: The phrase "kill your enemies with kindness" is a proverb which suggests that by being kind to your enemies, you will win their heart and mind. Not your power to fight but your Kindness will win your enemy in true sense.

This means treating those who dislike or hurt you with kindness and respect. Instead of fighting back or looking for revenge, you should respond with goodwill, if you want to win their heart.

Kindness has the power to change people's hearts and disarm their negativity. It turns your enemy into a friend.

3.      If you cannot make a person, think as you do, make a person do as you think.

Answer: The phrase "If you cannot make a person think as you do, make a person do as you think" suggests that when you are unable to convince someone to what you think or believe, you should focus on making them act or do as per your wish.

Instead of trying to change their mind, you should work on getting them to act according to your goal or wish. This saws the importance of doing and achieving goal rather than thinking and believing in your ideas. What matters is doing and not thinking. Action and end result is more important than just saying, arguing, or convincing.

4.      Seek till you find and you will not lose labour.

Answer: The phrase "Seek till you find and you will not lose labour"    emphasizes the importance of determination in achieving your goals. This proverb encourages a strong will to work. It saws importance of hard work, dedication and continuous effort to get success. It means hard work leads to success. This proverb suggests that you should keep trying until you reach your goal.

(Even if it feels hard or takes time, your efforts will not go to waste. Persistence and hard work often lead to success. So, stay focused, keep searching, and don’t give up. Success comes to those who are determined and never quit.)

5.      We do not walk on our legs, but on our will.

Answer:  The phrase "We do not walk on our legs, but on our will" emphasizes the idea that it's not just our physical abilities that drives us ahead, but it’s our will, determination and motivation that leads us to achieve our goals.

It says that the power is not a physical ability, it’s your mental ability. The real strength is in our mind and not in our body. What matters is your will power and not your physical power. This saying highlights the power of determination and inner strength.

6.      A person who will not flee will make his foe flee.

Answer:  The saying "A person who will not flee will make his foe flee" conveys the idea that if you have courage and will power to fight and stand on the ground, you will ultimately win over the challenges.

This means standing firm in the face of challenges or enemies. You will make your enemy to leave the ground, by just staying there on the ground with will power. If you don’t give up or run away, your enemy might lose confidence and back off. It highlights the power of determination and courage. Bravery can often win over fear.

7.      He who does not cry does not get fed.

Answer: The phrase "He who does not cry does not get fed" suggests that if you don't ask for what you want you are less likely to receive (get) it. This saying teaches the importance of speaking up for your needs. It suggests that in some situations, it's important to speak up or make your desires known.

This saying underlines the importance of clear communication. It emphasizes the idea that expressing your needs or desires is often necessary to receive support.        

 

8.      Put your feet down where you mean to stand.

 Answer: The phrase "Put your feet down where you mean to stand" means that you should be firm and clear about your decisions and actions. It says, when you decide to do something, be confident and committed to it. In other words, when you've made up your mind about something, it's important to be dedicated and unwavering in your efforts to achieve that goal. This saying encourages determination and consistency in your actions and choices. It's about making a clear decision and sticking to it.

9.      Speak the truth in love.

Answer:  The phrase "Speak the truth in love" encourages honest and open communication with a sense of empathy and care. It suggests that when you need to convey a difficult message or a sensitive issue, it's important to do so with both truthfulness and kindness. By speaking the truth with love, you aim to be honest and genuine, but also you need to be sensitive and caring that you don’t hurt the feelings of the other person. Expression of truth is necessary but you should not hurt others while saying the truth. Being truthful doesn’t mean being harsh; it’s about balancing honesty with compassion.

10.   Come and let us reason together.

Answer:  "Come and let us reason together" is an invitation to have a thoughtful and calm discussion. It's like saying, "Let's sit down and talk about things in a sensible and understanding way." The idea is to have a conversation where everyone can express their thoughts and opinions, and together, find common solutions to any issues. It emphasizes the importance of open communication and cooperation, through dialogue. It's a friendly way of saying, "Let's talk and figure things out together." or “Let's talk nicely and understand each other. Instead of arguing.”

 

●      Write a paragraph of 150 words on how assertive skill can benefit your personal and professional development.    

Learning to be assertive can really help you in both your personal and work life. When you're assertive, it means you can express yourself clearly and confidently. In your personal life, this helps in building better relationships because you can communicate your needs and set boundaries effectively. It also makes you feel more in control and confident.

At work, being assertive is super important. It helps you share your ideas, give feedback, and negotiate with confidence. People are more likely to listen and respect you when you're assertive, making your work environment more positive. It's also handy for handling disagreements and working well with others. So, being assertive not only improves how you relate to people but also boosts your confidence and success in both your personal and professional life.

Overall, assertive skills not only foster personal growth by promoting self-assuredness and boundary-setting but also drive professional success through improved communication and collaboration. The ability to navigate both personal and professional domains assertively is a valuable asset that can lead to a more fulfilling and prosperous life.

●      Soft skills at workplace:

1.    What are the reasons for the mismatch between education and employment?

Answer: This happens because schools and colleges often teach technical knowledge but they do not teach important workplace skills like communication, problem-solving, or being adaptable. As a result, graduates may not possess the skills that employers value most. This leads to a gap between what they learnt in school and what is required in their jobs. Teaching these workplace skills in education can help fix this problem.

2.    What personal qualities can help you achieve assertive behaviour?

Answer : To be assertive, you need to be confident, communicate well, listen carefully, understand others' feelings (empathy), and know how to set and respect boundaries. These qualities help you speak up clearly, stand for your rights, and build good relationships. Being assertive means expressing yourself confidently and at the same time respecting others.

Some personal qualities that can help you be assertive are:

1.    Self-Confidence: (Believe in yourself and your abilities.)

2.    Clear Communication: (Express your thoughts and feelings clearly without being too aggressive or passive.)

3.    Empathy: (Understand others' perspectives and feelings while expressing your own.)

4.    Respect: (Treat others with respect and expect the same in return.)

5.    Positive Body Language: (Use open and confident body language.)

6.    Active Listening: (Pay attention to what others say.)

7.    Problem-Solving Skills: (Approach conflicts with a solution-oriented mindset.)

8.    Setting Boundaries: (Clearly define and communicate your limits and expectations.)

9.    Self-Control: (Stay calm and composed even in challenging situations.)

10. Courage: (Be willing to speak up for yourself and others when necessary.)

 

3.    Many great people did not have the advantage of a good education. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Alva Edison, Henry Ford, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and Dhirubhai Ambani are well known examples. What qualities and characteristics helped these people achieve greatness in their chosen fields?

Answer:  People like Benjamin Franklin, Edison, and others became great because they had qualities like creativity, hard work, persistence, flexibility, and good communication. These traits helped them solve problems, face challenges, and succeed even without much schooling. Soft skills played a significant role in their success.

They possessed certain qualities that contributed to their greatness:

1.    Curiosity and Learning:

2.    Innovative Thinking:

3.    Perseverance:

4.    Adaptability:

5.    Entrepreneurial Spirit:

6.    Self-Reliance:

7.    Problem-Solving Skills:

8.    Vision and Ambition:

9.    Communication Skills:.

10. Resilience:

●      Real Life Experience:

You may know about people who were forced to quit their jobs. In 150 words write about one person and how he or she coped with the situation. Try to think of someone who later became successful.

1.    One inspiring person who was forced to quit her job and later became very successful is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books. Before she became famous, she was a single mother and had a tough time finding a steady job. She was even fired from her job as a secretary. With little money, she decided to follow her dream of writing stories. Rowling faced many challenges.

Her first book was turned down by many publishers, but she didn’t give up. Finally, her book "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was published and became a huge hit. Today, she is one of the wealthiest authors in the world.

Her story shows that even when life is hard, you can still be successful if you keep trying and believe in your dreams. J.K. Rowling’s journey inspires many people to never give up, no matter what challenges they face.