We Can Work It Out

Resolving Conflicts Peacefully and Powerfully
by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.

In over 40 years of mediating conflicts — between parents and children, husbands and wives, management and workers, police and communities, and warring groups around the world — Marshall Rosenberg has learned it is possible to resolve conflicts peacefully, and to everyone's satisfaction. It's not compromise — it's a caring and respectful quality of connection between the parties in conflict.

Why not get to the heart of the matter? Most of us lack the vocabulary to express what we're feeling or needing, leading us to point fingers at someone as the 'cause' of our pain. When people sense that their feelings and needs are valued — and heard — it immediately helps reduce tension and hostility, opening the door for peaceful resolution.

NVC inspires genuine cooperation by focusing on the unmet needs behind the conflict. Whether you're a professional mediator or wishing to resolve a conflict with your spouse, child or colleague, NVC offers practical, usable technique to get to the heart of the issue.

We Can Work It Out will help you:

• Find mutually satisfying resolutions to conflict
• See the "humanness" of those with whom you disagree
• Let go of the enemy images and moralistic judgments that often lead to conflict
• Foster respect and cooperation by focusing on the unmet needs behind the issue
• Prevent future conflicts by making clear requests for future actions
• Develop professional and personal relationships based on mutual respect, compassion and cooperation