Jarmużek, Joanna2014-12-092014-12-092014Studia Edukacyjne, nr 30, 2014, s. 213-227978-83-232-2756-41233-6688http://hdl.handle.net/10593/12334The aim of this article is to show the importance of social skills and competences (assertiveness, authority) in every social profession, especially in teaching. It defines assertiveness as a certain social attitude which enables people to being genuine in living their own lives. It is an attitude towards oneself and other people, which relays on giving freedom and acceptance to one’s decisions and choices. The only limit of assertiveness is other people’s freedom. Every teacher has the desire to be an authority for his pupils, but without certain social skills it is almost impossible unless it is built on fear. Without certain social skills the probability of occupational burnout increases, because a teacher lacks the ability to set social boundaries, demand respect and take psychological care of himself.plsocial competencesassertivenessbeing the authorityoccupational burnoutArtykułhttps://doi.org/10.14746/se.2014.30.12