Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective communication is about listening with empathy rather than jumping to solutions.
This quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of nonviolent communication, which prioritizes understanding and empathy in interactions. It suggests that rather than immediately responding with solutions, we should first listen deeply to others’ observations, feelings, needs, and requests, and reflect back our understanding. This approach fosters a more compassionate dialogue and allows individuals to feel heard and validated before moving on to problem-solving.
Themes
CommunicationEmpathyListeningUnderstandingNonviolent
In practice
Example use cases
While facilitating a workshop on conflict resolution, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of listening in communication.
More from Marshall B. Rosenberg
All quotes →Whether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
You can't make your kids do anything. All you can do is make them wish they had. And then, they will make you wish you hadn't made them wish they had.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Similar quotes
You can't truly listen to someone and do anything else at the same time.
Julian TreasureRead
A talk is a voyage. It must be charted. The speaker who starts nowhere, usually gets there.
Dale CarnegieRead
Communication is an offering. When you tell someone your truth, you must release your expectation of what the other person should do with it. They may thank you profusely, love you forever, argue with you, or ignore you. It doesn't matter. Of course we hope the gift will be received with appreciation and thanks. But if it isn't we must not dictate. We've done our part, and we must trust the universe to do the rest.
Alan CohenRead
It does not matter what you know about anything if you cannot communicate to your people. In that event, you are not even a failure. You're just not there.
Saul AlinskyRead
The human voice: It's the instrument we all play. It's the most powerful sound in the world, probably. It's the only one that can start a war or say 'I love you.' And yet many people have the experience that when they speak, people don't listen to them.
Julian TreasureRead
I like getting to the meat of things. You can't get it in a five-minute interview. I like to hone a person. I like to make eye contact.
Larry KingRead