Nonviolent Communication
Why Nonviolent Communication?
(Also known as Compassionate Communication)
We all feel frustrated when we can't meet our needs or achieve our goals. Perhaps we were misunderstood. Or the other person got the wrong impression. Sometimes we are mystified - Why was he so stubborn? Why couldn't they understand what I was trying to say? Why doesn't she just do what I ask?
Problems are often created by adding interpretations and judgments to what we observe, by not being clear about our own feelings and needs, and by making demands on ourselves or others that can lead to resentment or defensiveness.
NVC provides the tools needed to engage in productive, positive communication; and the understanding to build a more supportive and harmonious workplace. It focuses on the skills of expressing and listening that enable us to create mutually satisfying strategies and move forward - with supervisees, supervisors and colleagues.
How does it work?
The intention behind NVC is to search for the needs behind the words or actions of others - not to assign blame. By doing this, we create mutual understanding and respect. We learn to reframe how we express our own needs and how we respond to the needs of others, making it easier to craft effective, lasting solutions to workplace and personal conflicts.
NVC offers practical tools to:
- Communicate without judging or blamingK
- Negotiate powerfully yet compassionately
- Respond effectively to resistance, defensiveness & violent reactions
- Transform potential conflicts into peaceful dialogues.
Where can I learn more?
For a schedule of local workshops and practice groups contact Santa Cruz NVC at 459-6919 www.nvcsantacruz.org. Staff Training & Development occasionally offers "Communicating for Success," a training based on NVC principles and practices. The Campus Ombuds offers coaching in NVC for individuals and customized workshops for staff units, academic departments and residential life groups. For more information call Laurie McCann at 831.459.2073. For more information on NVC in general go to the NVC international headquarters website at www.cnvc.org