NVC Four Components

The four sequential components of Nonviolent Communication: Observation, Feeling, Need, Request. Each has specific requirements that distinguish it from its violent equivalent.

Syntax

hr-and-ai

Observation: [factual, specific, no evaluation — what a camera would capture]
Feeling: [actual emotion — not a thought disguised as a feeling]
Need: [underlying universal need — not a demand]
Request: [specific, positive, actionable — not a demand]

Example

hr-and-ai

// Violent vs NVC comparison:

// Violent:
"You are always disengaged in meetings and it's affecting the team."

// NVC:
observation: "In the last three team meetings, you have not contributed during the discussion portions",
feeling: "I feel concerned",
need: "I need the team's collective thinking to shape our decisions",
request: "Would you be willing to share your perspective during the discussion today?"

// Key rules:
// Observation = no evaluation, no absolute language (always/never)
// Feeling = not "I feel like you..." (that's a thought)
// Need = not a demand framed as a need
// Request = can be refused without consequence