Core Principles & Fundamentals Flashcards

What separates NVC's protective use of force from punitive force?

Answer: Protective force is meant to prevent harm, not to make someone suffer or repent

Protective force comes from an intention to keep life or well-being safe, not to judge or punish.

Which three parts make up an expression of gratitude in NVC?

Answer: The action that helped, the need it met, and the feeling it brought

NVC appreciation names the specific action, the needs it met, and the pleasant feelings that resulted.

Someone says, "I feel that you don't care about me." What does the phrase "feel that" usually signal in NVC?

Answer: A thought or interpretation, not a feeling

When "feel" is followed by "that," "like," or "you," a thought is usually being expressed instead of an emotion.

What is the main purpose of the NVC exercise of turning "I have to" into "I choose to... because I want..."?

Answer: To reclaim choice by connecting actions to the needs they serve

The exercise replaces a sense of obligation with awareness of choice and the needs behind each action.

Rosenberg suggested two questions that show the limits of punishment. Which pair is correct?

Answer: What do I want this person to do? What do I want their reasons for doing it to be?

Asking about the person's reasons shows that punishment may change behavior but rarely creates the motivation we want.

Rosenberg traced "domination cultures" with help from the work of which theologian?

Answer: Walter Wink

Rosenberg cited Walter Wink's analysis of domination systems to explain the roots of life-alienating language.

A colleague is visibly upset about a decision you made. What does NVC generally recommend doing first?

Answer: Offer empathy for their feelings and needs before explaining

NVC holds that people can rarely hear explanations until they feel understood, so empathy comes before education.