Asserting Yourself: A Practical Guide for Positive Change
by Sharon Anthony Bower, Gordon H. Bower

Bower and Bower put the problem of non-assertiveness into perspective, relating it to self-esteem and anxiety. They then lay out a systematic program for increasing assertive behavior. They make extensive use of probing questions to help you work out a plan of action that is personally relevant. They also provide sample verbal scripts for numerous common situations that typically call for assertive behavior. Among situations they cover are requesting a raise, saying "no" to unreasonable demands, protesting unjust criticism, dealing with a substance abuser, pointing out annoying habits, and dealing with the silent treatment. They devote a full chapter to the role of assertive behavior in developing friendships -- initiating and ending conversations, keeping conversations going, making dates, self-disclosure, listening, and coping with social anxieties. The book is smoothly written in a nonpatronizing tone. Overall, a great read.

Civilized Assertiveness for Women: Communication with Backbone...not Bite
by Judith Selee, Ph.D. McClure, Judith Selee McClure

This is a guide for not only women in the workplace but women in their personal lives. We have been preconditioned to act and talk in specific way. This book easily guides you into making sound decisions on choices of responses to difficult situations. It is easy to follow and helps you speak what is truly on your mind without being cruel. It is all about being direct and getting what you want!!

The Assertive Woman (Personal Growth)
by Stanlee Phelps, Nancy Austin

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.....

The Assertiveness Workbook: How to Express Your Ideas and Stand Up for Yourself at Work and in Relationships
by Randy J. Paterson Ph.D.
This book was easy to read, easy to understand and very easy to apply immediately to life circumstances. I particularly found useful the chart of behaviors and the aspects of appearance very well written, vivid and clear. This book was full of accurate user friendly information that anyone would be able to apply in their lives whatever their circumstance or job.

The Power of Positive Confrontation: The Skills You Need to Know to Handle Conflicts at Work, at Home, and in Life
by Barbara Pachter, Susan Magee

With Susan Magee, Barbara Pachter carefully analyzes all of the skills anyone needs to resolve conflicts at work, home, and in life. Confrontation is inevitable. Think about it: What REALLY upsets you? How about "road rage" when someone else cuts you off, tailgates, deliberately forces you to the side of the road, etc.? Or how about "office politicians" who lie both to your face and behind your back, thrive on hurtful gossip, and in countless other ways try to advance themselves at the cost of others? Make no mistake about it: Negative Confrontation also has power.

Managing Assertively: How to Improve Your People Skills: A Self-Teaching Guide, 2nd Edition
by Madelyn Burley-Allen

Managing Assertively has helped tens of thousands of businesspeople become more effective managers by sharpening their people skills. Leading management trainer Madelyn Burley-Allen shows you how you, too, can learn to resolve conflicts and defuse interpersonal problems that invariably arise at work. Her step-by-step techniques, clear examples, and competence-building exercises will immediately improve your supervisory skills, sharpen your self-awareness, and make you a more confident, assertive manager.

Don't Say Yes When You Want to Say No : Making Life Right When It Feels All Wrong
by HERBERT PHD FENSTERHEIM, JEAN BAER

Yes, you can learn to say what you mean and mean what you say. This best-selling guide has already transformed thousands of lives--and can change your as well. The authors' pioneering Assertiveness Training Technique can help you gain recognition and promotion on the job, renew your marriage, put more zing in your sex life, deal with your children more effectively, and make new friends.

When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
by MANUEL J. SMITH

The best-seller that helps you say: "I just said 'no' and I don't feel guilty!" Are you letting your kids get away with murder? Are you allowing your mother-in-law to impose her will on you? Are you embarrassed by praise or crushed by criticism? Are you having trouble coping with people? Learn the answers in When I Say No, I Feel Guilty, the best-seller with revolutionary new techniques for getting your own way.