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
I think that there is a problem with rewards and consequences because in the long run, they rarely work in the ways we hope. In fact, they are likely to backfire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Rewards and consequences often don't achieve the desired effect and can have unintended negative outcomes.
Marshall B. Rosenberg's quote highlights the complexities of human behavior and motivation. He suggests that while we often use rewards and consequences as tools to influence behavior, they may not lead to the outcomes we desire and can sometimes produce counterproductive results, causing the very behaviors we seek to change to become more entrenched.
Themes
RewardsConsequencesBehaviorMotivationUnintendedOutcomes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in schools.
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
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.
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
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