What is "Needs-Based Communication" or NVC?![]()
Needs-Based Communication (NVC) is a potent process that can support us when we are having — or need to have — challenging conversations that matter to us ...
NVC guides us to move beyond blame.
Here are some of the skills and benefits of using Needs-Based Communication (NVC) in the workplace ... or at home:
Needs-Based Communication invites us to expand our perception so that we see ways to bring connection amidst conflict. At the core of this expanded perception is the skill to focus our attention on the underlying human needs that are seeking to be nurtured in any moment, both within ourselves and within the people around us. These underlying human needs are the motivation for our actions and our words ... the "why" behind what we do or say. Because human needs are universal — they are common to all human beings — when we bring them into explicit focus, they tend to stimulate understanding and draw us closer together. The potency of NVC is in its pragmatic simplicity. In any moment, including a moment of conflict, there are two ways to enhance connection & understanding:
These are radically different choices than we are accustomed to experience when we are in conflict: namely, fight, freeze or flee. While simple, NVC is often challenging to embody because we are so deeply conditioned to perceive each other through judgments and blame. With practice, the process of NVC helps us navigate within ourselves to transform unconscious reactions into conscious responses. What NVC is not ...
*Needs-Based Communication is based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, which he called "Nonviolent Communication™" or NVC.
I have chosen to call the process Needs-Based Communication for two reasons: First, human needs are the heart of the process. Secondly, I have wanted to avoid the common initial reaction from people in business that "... we're not a violent place." I have chosen to keep the "NVC" abbreviation for Needs-Based Communication because many people are familiar with NVC as a process — and it lacks the "nonviolent" connotation. |
Workbook: "An Introduction to NVC"![]()
This 22-page workbook includes the core pages from Basileia's workshop materials for the "Introduction to Needs-Based Communication (NVC)" workshop. We typically teach this workshop in a 1- to 2-day format for people who are new to NVC.
We offer these materials with a limited right to download and print/reproduce for personal learning or group workshops provided that (a) you contact us to let us know of your intention to use the materials, (b) the materials are used as-is keeping the copyright information on each page, (c) the PDF file itself is shared only by providing a link to this web page, and (d) the materials are not sold. If you are using these materials in a workshop for which you are being paid, we request a donation to Basileia in whatever amount you would enjoy giving. Quick Reference SheetKey Concepts - "Introduction to Needs-Based Communication (NVC)"
This is a one-page (front & back) quick reference sheet to basic key concepts of NVC. It's designed to be folded and put in your pocket. ![]()
One-Page NVC ListsThe following sample lists of human body sensations, feelings and needs are provided to support your proficiency in learning human-needs communication (NVC) by helping to build your vocabulary.
Click on the image to save or print. NVC BooksClick on book covers to see details or to purchase on amazon.com
|
|
|