Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Introduction
Nonviolent Communication is probably one of the most powerful communication tools, while at the same time one of the worst brands ever. Who’d ever admit they are communicating violently?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a process of communication that creates a strong connection between people. It was created by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg.
It can be seen as “communication on steroids” because it enriches our communication with information that we are not used to express. As a consequence, NVC enables people to reach mutual understanding much faster, which boosts organizational efficiency (less confusion, fewer arguments, tensions linger for less time, …)
Your primary objective is to understand the key principles of NVC and committing to show empathy. This is more important than mastering the 4 technical steps of NVC, though I have found them to be very useful, especially when one begins to learn NVC.
While initially the four steps feel a bit forced and extensive, if you practice it for a while you will realize that the real strength of NVC is in the place where you are coming from when you communicate. If you communicate from a place of empathy and compassion, assuming people have good intentions, you will almost automatically reach a similar effect even if you don’t literally apply the four steps.
Make sure to read these short introductions to NVC:
Holstee (I’d consider the video’s optional)
NVC cheat sheets
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