Appreciative communication

Appreciative communication, often referred to as non-violent communication according to Rosenberg, is a language that is characterized by eye level and mutual respect. The connection between sender and receiver is elementary, so that the relationship benefits from the communication. The basis of appreciative communication is the method of non-violent communication developed by the psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. But why is appreciative communication so important for effective interpersonal relationships? Only human relationships based on mutual respect are conducive to the long-term goals of both individuals. Appreciative communication exactly promotes this goal by paving the way for respectful interaction at eye level and by creating satisfaction and meaning.

The basic assumptions of appreciative communication by expert Beate Brüggemeier:

1. Every person strives to fulfill his or her needs. It determines the overall behavior.
2. One’s own needs are just as important as those of others.
3. People like to contribute to the benefit and well-being of others if they do it voluntarily.
4. Any form of reproach, attack or judgment is an expression of unfulfilled needs.
5. Each person has the choice to complicate or enrich his own life and the lives of others.
6. People do not act AGAINST others but FOR their needs.

In practice, appreciative communication is divided into four phases. The main focus here is on I-messages (“It is important to me that...”) in contrast to accusations (“You did... wrong.”). The factual observation is followed by the feeling that something is triggering in you. You then formulate your (unfulfilled) need and conclude with a friendly request (≠ claim or demand).

These four steps can be easily applied in different situations - both professionally and privately.

The method of appreciative communication is excellent for conflict resolution and for building trust in professional and personal relationships. After all, the area of application is always where fulfilled or unfulfilled needs are part of the communication. It ranges from “emptying the dishwasher” and “taking out the garbage” at home to employee discussions in the company or disagreements in other organizations. Appreciative communication also contributes to further personal development. Discussing your own needs creates clarity, communicating those needs creates openness and understanding. Ultimately, appreciative communication is a path away from attacks, defenses and justifications towards respect, creation of value and efficiency in communication. In doing so, not only communication benefits but also private or business relationships.

Appreciative communication is an important success factor, especially in the work environment. Employees who are dissatisfied and do not feel heard are less productive and cost the company money in the long and short term. A fear-free and appreciative environment is essential so that the team gets involved, presents its own ideas and collaborates creatively. Because appreciation is value creation. Through targeted training units and education, employees and managers learn how to use appreciative communication in order to shape relationships, in conversations, in (potential) conflicts, in customer contact, etc. Both verbal expression and active listening are trained. In order to anchor the new method in the corporate culture also in the long term, it is important that habitual or automatic reactions are consciously prevented and an honest exchange is encouraged. This is how respectful interaction succeeds even in situations full of “heat”.

Appreciative communication in the digital world is based on the same principles as in the analog world. Nevertheless, speakers and senders face specific challenges in the digital world. For example, due to a bad internet connection (or because the participant does not want it) image transmission may not be available. As a result, both communication partners no longer have access to an important sensory organ, namely vision. However, this is essential in order to read the reactions of the other person, such as changes in facial expressions or gestures. In addition, there is usually greater time pressure, which can lead to tension in the conversation. It is essential to be aware of the special challenges in the digital world and to communicate in a correspondingly lenient and considerate manner. Sensitive topics with conflict potential could also be clarified in a personal conversation in the spirit of mutual respect and appreciation.

The best way to learn appreciative communication is in training courses and seminars held by trained coaches. The perfect setting for your event is very important in order to be able to present the content ideally. Various seminar and conference rooms for 5 to 500 people are available at Gurgl Carat. The modern technical equipment, the huge range of catering options and the awesome mountain world right on the doorstep are further plus points in the Europe’s highest congress center. Would you like to hold a training course on appreciative communication at Gurgl Carat? Then simply get in touch with us!