Non-Violent Communication

Hi Everyone,

After our class on conflict resolution I remembered a way of using empathy when engaging in conflict resolution.  It’s called Non-violent communication.  NVC is, as Marshall Rosenberg describes, “…founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions.”  Like myself I’m sure you’ve all lost your temper during a conflict and been unable to articulate your point of view.  Non-violent communication allows us to express ourselves so that we are aware of what we are saying and that we hear other people.

NVC can be used during a situation of rising conflict to accomplish the following:

• Diffuse the conflict
• Reframe emotions so both parties can begin to build a common understanding
• Create a connection between 2 parties so that they can foster and maintain relationships

There are 4 elements to NVC

• Observation: What’s going on?  What are the behaviours of other’s?
• Feelings:  What are your feelings?
• Needs:  What needs are the roots of your feelings?
• Requests:  Ask the other party to fulfill our needs.

For NVC to work both parties have to be willing to listen and adhere to the 2 parts of NVC:

1. Honest expression using the 4 elements of NVC
2. Using empathy to receive the 4 elements of NVC

As business students we will one day be running our own business, our own department, or managing something.  What is certain is that we will be doing this with other people and that there will be conflict.  NVC is important for all business students because it teaches us to:

• Maintain our composure in a heated situation
• Express ourselves professionally and in a manner that others understand
• Helps us reach a common ground with people we may be in conflict with

NVC is a rather touchy-feely communication method.  But in terms of following the rules of “effectively fostering and maintaining relationships,” NVC is one of the most widely used forms of conflict resolution in business, in psychology, and in peace-talks in conflict ridden regions (Rwanda, Serbia, Ireland).  For more information you can go to the below link.

http://www.cnvc.org/Training/nvc-chapter-1