Diagram the three-pressure assertiveness ladder
Use the diagram to decide which assertiveness step comes before repetition under pressure.
Use the ladder to decide when to clarify, when to repeat, and when to defuse criticism during a tense product review. Assertiveness pressure ladder Clarify with DESC Describe facts, express impact, specify the request, name the consequence. Step 1 Hold with broken-record Use the same short boundary after the request has already been made clear. Step 2 Defuse with fogging Accept the limited truth in criticism without accepting the demand. Heat control Close with path or consequence Return to the agreed next step, escalation path, or available alternative. Outcome Structure Persistence Defusion Closure
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