Nonviolent Communication – Marshall Rosenberg

Thinking, writing or talking about Marshall Rosenberg in just a few words is difficult for me because of the life changing impact he and his work have had on my life since one day in 1997. Yes, it’s a cliche, but it was indeed a fateful day when another ex-teacher & friend of mine called me up and said that there was a man running a one day workshop in London that she thought would be interesting to go to.
It was interesting and so much more besides.
That one day led me to further and deepen my understanding of this method of authentic communication, forever replacing the superficial practice of adding to a teaching repertoire with ‘tools in the toolbox’ to becoming the toolbox itself.
I’m not sure how much sense that last sentence makes. I can only suggest that you experience something of this for yourself via any of the recommendations below.

 A mediator and educator with a background in clinical psychology, Marshall Rosenberg developed a model of conflict resolution called ‘nonviolent communication’.
Growing up in Detroit where much civil unrest was surfacing, he went on to work as a peacemaker in many different countries.
In each situation, using the method he created, he helped hostile or warring parties to listen carefully to one another in order to identify what needs were not being met and how to collaborate creatively to get those needs met.
He also regularly worked with teachers and children, teaching the principles of nonviolent communication in schools.
Whether in a school or a conflict zone, his emphasis was always on avoiding violence, instead encouraging individuals to put their emotional energy into compassionate listening and understanding.
One question he always returned to was: ‘Are our needs getting met, and if not, what can we do so that everyone’s needs get met?’
This compassionate method of enquiry formed the foundation of nonviolent communication, and the essence of all constructive human interaction.
He founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNC) in the 1980’s. He died in 2015 and the CNC continues to offer training programmes around the world.

Website: www.nonviolentcommunication.com

CNC website: www.cnvc.org

Twitter: @NonviolentFor

Books: Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (first published 1999)

Video: ‘Vision of the Future’ interview (2013) – youtu.be/CwHBD7Ihy5U

Audio: BBC ‘Great Lives’ episode on Rosenberg (2016) – www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b07q87sm

If any of the above has resonated with you and you’d like a more personal experience of how the method can enhance your ability to deal with difference of opinion so everyone gets what they truly desire, I can provide that.
Just get in touch here https://www.communicateforachange.com/contact-me/