How can we face a selfassertive and aggressive head of our institution?

Question

Occasionally you should show the audacity to expressive your opinion and stick to it, otherwise he will continue to coerce you always

Answer 1

If you are convinced of your opinion, if your opinion is based on facts and objective logic, if you have those facts and can present your case logically, calmly, and objectively, then there's nothing anybody can do to refute you.

There are some pretty intimidating people out there. But I don't care how big they are, how smart they are, or what position the occupy, if you're right, you're right, and there's nothing they can do about it.

It's not audacity. Maybe a little courage could be involved to walk in and present something to somebody in power who you expect to disagree with you. But, if you're right... what can they do?

I got through college psychology and sociology courses by being something of a "giant killer." I'd read something or hear an assertion with which I disagreed. I'd do the research and find out if there were opposing opinions and upon what those opinions were based. If I found the counter arguments valid (logical and based on fact) I'd have no problem taking a Ph.D., Dean, or whomever to task. It really isn't hard. Most psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists and educators really have no clue what they're talking about. They just spout some pet theory they picked up from some other person of their ilk.

I've found it to be true in other walks of life as well. They may not like to admit they might be wrong, but arguing against the facts and objective logic does them no good.

Answer 2

Well you also have to realise he only has the power you are loaning him.

What is it about his style that threatens you from making your opinions known? That is probably what you need to look at more than his actual style.

Never indulge a bully, that is correct.....but remember he only is in his position because others have loaned him the power to be. You can take the power off him to make you react, just be remember, without you he actually has no job, and so there comes the balance of power and a place of negotiation.

Assertiveness skills of your own...(not stroppiness) or you'll be the same as him. Pushing back too hard is just as bad and indulgence.

Ask him when he expresses his opinion forcefully next, if that is a verdict (no answer required) or if it is a proposition (something you can think about and come back with your own proposition that suits you).

He may have no idea that he is too direct for you without you telling him.

Hope that helps

Mel

Answer 3

,I think you may have inadvertently answered your own question.Its a pitty we can't all think like that all of the time,it would make life so much easier.