Blog
Empathy
Empathy is a special form of active listening. The listener focuses on the feelings and needs of the other person. When needed, the listener checks in on those feelings and needs to verify what the speaker is trying to say.
Feelings in the workplace
In our trainings we emphasise that feelings, whether pleasant or unpleasant, are important signals pointing to underlying needs. Recognising and fulfilling those needs is crucial for standing in your own strength.
Four good listening habits
It may come as a surprise, but good listening is mainly about what you do less. Truly good listeners don't necessarily do more. Instead, they can refrain from a number of tendencies that get in the way of connection.
Getting Through Summer Without Punishment and Reward
Most parents love their child unconditionally, but unconditional parenting often seems difficult. Inspired by an interview with American thinker Alfie Kohn,...
Guilt and shame
In Connecting Communication, we approach shame and guilt in a distinctive way. We see both as secondary feelings that arise from judgemental thinking about our own behaviour...
Gossip
Talking about someone in judgemental, accusatory words when the person is not present has a harmful effect on the climate within a team or an organisation...
Hatred as an obstacle to connecting honesty and empathy
Being able to listen to others empathically doesn't come naturally. With some people it's easy, with others it seems impossible to put yourself in their shoes. What makes empathy harder with certain people?
I feel insulted... Help!
Want to become immune to reproaches, judgments and insults? Here are a few ideas...
Inspiration tool: connecting communication
Connecting Communication works and anyone can learn it.
In memoriam Klaus Karstadt
Participants in our Connecting Communication training have probably heard me talk about my training in Germany in 'Gewaltfreie Kommunikation'. Over several years...
Inspiration for mediators
As a mediator, you help two or more parties find a solution to a conflict or problem through clear and respectful communication. Here are some practical tips...
Mediating Conflicts as a Third Party
How do you resolve a conflict when both parties want a solution but for some reason can no longer talk to each other? Or how do you hold a decisive meeting ...