Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
The key to fostering connection in the face of a 'no' is always hearing 'yes' to something else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To build connections, focus on acknowledging positivity even when facing rejection.
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and recognizing other opportunities for connection despite encountering a refusal or a negative response. By actively looking for what is affirming or positive, we can cultivate stronger relationships and move beyond the immediate 'no' toward a more collaborative and understanding dialogue.
Themes
ConnectionRelationshipsRejectionPositivityCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting where proposals face opposition, this quote can inspire the group to find common ground.
More from Marshall B. Rosenberg
All quotes βWhether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Similar quotes
Our mission... it will be difficult, it will take time, it will be demanding for all men and women... will be to act in such a way that French people of the Muslim faith are always more proud of being French than of being Muslim.
Emmanuel MacronRead
Eye contact was a delicate matter. A quarter second of a shared glance was a violation of agreements that made the city operational.
Don DelilloRead
You took the best, so why not take the rest?
James A. BaldwinRead
Until the masculine role is humanized, women will tend to be much better at solving dangerous conflicts.
Gloria SteinemRead
Closeness can lead to emotions other than love. It's the ones who have been too intimate with you, lived in too close quarters, seen too much of your pain or envy or, perhaps more than anything, your shame, who, at the crucial moment, can be too easy to cut out, to exile, to expel, to kill off.
Daniel MendelsohnRead
I don't think people should do things because you know, 'I am turning this age, I must go have a husband.' If you find somebody and it works out then have kids, it's very nice. But if you don't, you don't.
Zaha HadidRead