COMMUNICATIONDays to result

Emergency First-Aid Empathy

Addressing resistance and defensiveness

Problem it solves

poor communication

Best for

Situations where one party is resistant or defensive

Not ideal for

Situations where empathy is not necessary or appropriate

Overview

Why this framework exists

Emergency first-aid empathy involves using empathy to address resistance or defensiveness in a conflict resolution process. This can help to create a safe and respectful environment for all parties and prevent the conversation from becoming stuck or unproductive.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Empathy is essential for creating a safe and respectful environment
  2. Resistance or defensiveness can be addressed through empathy and understanding
  3. The goal of emergency first-aid empathy is to prevent the conversation from becoming stuck or unproductive

Steps

2 steps
  1. Identify Resistance or Defensiveness
    The mediator should identify any resistance or defensiveness in the conversation and address it through empathy and understanding.
    Pro tipUse open-ended questions and reflective listening to understand the underlying needs and concerns.
    WarningAvoid taking sides or imposing your own opinions or solutions.
  2. Use Empathy to Address Resistance or Defensiveness
    The mediator should use empathy to address any resistance or defensiveness, creating a safe and respectful environment for all parties.
    Pro tipUse 'emergency first-aid empathy' to address any initial resistance or defensiveness.
    WarningAvoid using empathy as a means of manipulating or controlling the conversation.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Business Conflict Over Broken Promises

A business conflict over broken promises was resolved through mediation, using emergency first-aid empathy to address resistance and defensiveness.

OutcomeThe parties were able to reach a mutually beneficial solution, and the conflict was resolved in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to Use Empathy
The mediator should use empathy to address any resistance or defensiveness, creating a safe and respectful environment for all parties.
Using Empathy to Manipulate or Control
The mediator should avoid using empathy as a means of manipulating or controlling the conversation, as this can create resistance and undermine the conflict resolution process.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

Marshall Rosenberg developed the concept of emergency first-aid empathy as a means of addressing resistance or defensiveness in conflict resolution processes.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
Marshall B. Rosenberg · 2015
Open source →