How to Stand Up for Yourself
Coaching for Leaders: How to Stand Up for Yourself, with Sunita Sah
In the Coaching for Leaders episode "How to Stand Up for Yourself," host Dave Stachowiak engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Sunita Sah, a Cornell University professor and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes. Dr. Sah delves into the psychological underpinnings of compliance and defiance, exploring why individuals often acquiesce to advice or directives that conflict with their personal values. She introduces a five-stage model of defiance: Tension, Acknowledgment, Escalation, Threat of Non-Compliance, and the Act of Defiance, illustrating how each stage contributes to the process of standing up for oneself.
The discussion emphasizes that defiance is not merely a spontaneous reaction but a deliberate process that involves self-reflection and courage. By examining real-life scenarios and psychological research, Dr. Sah provides listeners with practical strategies to recognize and navigate situations where they might feel pressured to conform. The episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to align their actions with their core values, particularly in environments where dissent is challenging.
Suggested discussion questions (if you need something to start the conversation):
Reflect on a time when you felt pressured to conform. Which of the five stages of defiance did you experience?
How can understanding the process of defiance help you make decisions that align with your values?
What strategies can you employ to prepare for situations where you anticipate pressure to comply against your better judgment?
How does vocalizing concerns to others influence your ability to stand up for yourself?
For more information on Dr. Sah's work and her book Defy, visit her official website: https://www.sunitasah.com