Nonviolent Communication

A couple months ago I took a leadership role in an organization I am part of and one of the first things I did was pick up Marshall B. Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life. I've read it several times, but it's the kind of book you need to read continuously if you want it to sink in. This time around I tried to read a chapter and wait a couple weeks before continuing to the next to give myself the chance to absorb and practice it.

The book outlines how to speak compassionately without judgment and to listen with empathy. In other words it's full of lessons we all need. There are a couple things in the book that sound a little cheesy and a times reading some of the conversation role-plays the participants seem to resemble robots, but overall the book is extremely worthwhile and helpful. Having recently finished it, the principles are fresh in my mind and I'm trying to mindful of how I communicate. I hope these ideas stick with me, at least for a while, but I'm sure I'll have to read it again as a reminder.