an investigative analysis of the psychological characteristics and job ...

to act assertively, rather than aggressively or submissively.
Assertion can be defined as aperson's capacity to express wants and feelings and to stand up for
his rights without unnecessarily violating other's needs.
Furthermore Dubrin (1997:148) and Armstrong (1996:902) add that assertiveness is being
forthright in expressing demands, opinions, feelings and attitudes in direct honest and appropriate
ways.
The GEL should be able to assert himself in any situation with astudent or an employer. He must
have the ability to communicate clearly what he is feeling and thinking without infringing upon the
rights of the student the employer or the institution.
2.3.5 Cheerful
The GEL must have a happy disposition. He is in constant contact with people and being in good
spirits will influence those around him positively. This is very important if the GEL has to recruit new
student employers. Being cheerful will make agood impression with student employers.
Being cheerful will also help the GEL when he has to counsel students or take care of a difficult
situation. Cheerfulness relieves tension, especially during stressful times.
2.3.6 Competent
According to Armstrong (1996:189), competence is a wide concept that embodies the ability to
transfer skills and knowledge to new situations within the occupational area. It encompasses
organisation and planning of work, innovation and coping with non-routine activities.
Bingham (1973:19) agrees with the above by expressing that an individual's capacity to acquire the
knowledge and skill necessary for successful achievement in a specified industrial employment or
job is called competency.
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