Objectives Effectiveness

Get what you want or need effectively.

Purpose

Helps you stay focused on your goal when asking for something, saying no, or solving a problem with another person.

What it Means

Objectives Effectiveness is about being clear on what you want and acting in a way that improves your chances of getting it.

Main Skill

DEAR MAN is the main DBT skill for Objectives Effectiveness.

Example

You want to ask your manager for a deadline extension. Objectives Effectiveness means staying focused on the request rather than apologising repeatedly, attacking, or avoiding the conversation.

Try It Now

1 Think of one thing you want to ask for or say no to.

2 Ask, "What is my main objective?"

3 Write that objective in one clear sentence.

When to use

Asking for something Saying no Making a request Negotiating Solving a practical issue