Clean talk, also known as non-violent communication, is a communication method developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. This method emphasizes the importance of empathy, honesty, and self-expression in communication, particularly in conflict resolution and leadership development.
Clean talk involves focusing on the needs and feelings of oneself and others, and expressing oneself in a non-judgmental, clear, and concise manner. This means avoiding language that is critical, blaming, or accusatory, and instead using language that is honest, empathetic, and non-confrontational.
Clean talk is particularly useful in leadership development as it can help leaders effectively communicate with their team members, resolve conflicts, and create a positive and supportive work environment. By using clean talk, leaders can build trust and rapport with their team members, and create a culture of open and honest communication.
One of the key principles of clean talk is active listening, which involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, and responding in a way that shows that their needs and feelings have been heard and understood. This helps to create a sense of mutual respect and understanding, and can prevent conflicts from escalating.
Another key principle of clean talk is using “I” statements, which means taking responsibility for one’s own feelings and needs, rather than blaming others or making assumptions about their motives. By using “I” statements, leaders can express their own needs and feelings in a non-confrontational way, and encourage their team members to do the same.
Clean talk is a powerful tool for leadership development, as it can help leaders build strong relationships with their team members, create a positive and supportive work environment, and resolve conflicts in a constructive and effective manner. By practicing clean talk, leaders can become more empathetic, self-aware, and effective communicators, and inspire their team members to do the same.
Leadership development roadmap
- The Johari Window
- Effective communication
- Whole brain communication
- Effective listening
- Effective questioning
- Conflict management
- Effective feedback
- Mindfulness
