Nonviolent Communication

Nonviolent Communication is not esoteric nonsense but an approach developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg that resolves conflicts not through power, but through empathy. At its core, it’s about people truly understanding each other — at eye level.
Takeaways

The power of giraffe language and the danger of wolf howling

Why giraffe language?

Not only at zflys, but also in a dynamic business world where competition is tough and interactions are complex, communication plays a crucial role.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC), also known as giraffe language, is a way of interacting that not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also has the potential to significantly influence success in everyday business.

Giraffe zflys, GFK
— because the giraffe has the largest heart of all and, thanks to its long neck, a great neutral view from above (the meta level).

What is Nonviolent Communication?

Nonviolent Communication, developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg, is a communication approach designed to foster understanding and empathy between conversation partners. It uses specific principles and techniques to resolve conflicts while creating an atmosphere of trust and collaboration. Achieving goals together. zflys.
Quote Marshall Rosenberg GFK

Table of contents

Enough reading.

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With 4 steps to Nonviolent Communication

Step 1 → Observation: Listen actively, your full attention belongs to your conversation partner. Judgments and interpretations have no place here. In this step, we take a step back and simply observe.

Step 2 → Feeling: Do you already know your own feelings? If yes, awesome! If not, then we’ll have to talk about that again 😉
In this step, we focus strongly on our own feelings and emotions. Where do they suddenly come from, and what are they trying to tell me? The CONSCIOUS inner dialogue plays the leading role in both Step 2 and Step 3.

Step 3 → Need: You’re angry because your colleague has missed the meeting again? Once you’ve named the feeling, take a close look at the needs behind it! Why are you angry?

Step 4 → Request: Formulate concrete requests that aim to meet your needs.

In this way, giraffe language promotes open and respectful WIN-WIN communication.

zflys Graphic GFK, Model Giraffe and Wolf

The power of giraffe language

This method of communication fosters understanding and empathy. In a business environment shaped by different perspectives and interests, giraffe language can help minimize misunderstandings and strengthen understanding between team members.

Managing conflicts better with the right communication method

Conflicts are unavoidable in everyday business. By considering the needs and feelings of everyone involved, NVC offers a constructive method for resolving conflicts. This is why NVC also plays a major role in mediation. Furthermore, giraffe language strengthens team spirit by fostering a culture of collaboration and respect. This helps teams work together more efficiently, allowing creative and innovative ideas to emerge more quickly.

The wolf howling

While giraffe language represents a positive force in everyday business, there is also an alternative form of communication that carries risks: wolf howling.
Wolf howling stands for a style of communication characterized by aggression, blame, and a lack of empathy. Instead of seeking joint solutions, wolf howling aims to exert power and resolve conflicts at the expense of others.

Why wolf howling is dangerous:

Wolf howling often contributes to escalating conflicts instead of resolving them. Fronts can harden, which can lead to a negative work climate or — even worse — impair productivity.
So it’s no surprise that wolf howling in no way contributes to efficient teamwork.

In a work environment where fear and great uncertainty are part of everyday life week after week, there is no room for creative solutions and new ideas. Wolf howling can therefore stifle creative development and hinder the willingness to innovate.

Wolf zflys, GFK

You have the choice!

and that is between giraffe language and wolf howling. Giraffe language offers you ways to resolve conflicts, foster understanding, and create a positive work atmosphere.

Wolf howling, on the other hand, carries risks that can damage team dynamics and business success. In the fast-paced, VUCA-shaped world that depends on collaboration, flexibility, and creativity, Nonviolent Communication proves to be a powerful tool for fostering a healthy and successful work environment.

FAQ

Nonviolent Communication enables those involved to clearly express their needs and feelings while fostering empathy. This makes constructive conflict resolution easier, as the needs of all parties are taken into account.
Companies that promote NVC benefit from improved team dynamics, higher employee satisfaction, reduced conflict levels, and an overall more positive work atmosphere.

NVC fosters a positive work environment, improves interpersonal relationships, supports teamwork, and helps resolve conflicts constructively. This ultimately contributes to a healthy and productive work culture.

Absolutely. Using NVC in customer communication fosters a positive customer relationship, improves customer satisfaction, and helps resolve issues.
Employees can practice NVC by consciously paying attention to their language, listening actively, expressing their feelings and needs, and seeking constructive solutions to challenges.
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Takeaways

Your choice — giraffe language or wolf howling?
It’s in your hands. Do you want a company that leads with respect, clarity, and empathy? Or one that sinks into fear, aggression, and misunderstandings? Giraffe language isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have for modern, successful companies.