How does Nonviolent Communication differ from other types of conflict resolution?
What makes Nonviolent Communication (NVC) unique? Many people point to the inclusion of universal human needs as a way of identifying the deeper source of our feelings, whereas many systems point only to our thinking as what causes our feelings. I agree, and I was intrigued several years ago when I came across a chart developed by Bay Area Nonviolent Communication (Bay NVC) that compared and contrasted NVC with conventional conflict resolution. First of all, let me say that I regard NVC as much, much more than a method for conflict resolution. I see it as a set of principles to live by — a system that provides an orientation from which to live, in order to fulfill my purpose for being on the planet. Included within the NVC toolbox are communication skills that, yes, help us to resolve and transform conflict into connection. And so, here are the, “Unique Features of NVC,” again inspired by Bay NVC and expanded by me and a few others: Unique features of Compassionate Nonviolent Communic
