Compassionate Communication
Concise Guide to Conflict Resolution*

Listen - Tell Truth - Listen Again - Agree

1. HIGHER SOURCE

• If both parties agree, ask for loving wisdom from a higher source to be with all parties

2. LISTEN

• Give your full attention
  • Make eye contact
  • Face person, be still
• Allow other person to finish (use timer if needed)
• Make no assumptions
• Instead of hearing criticism, listen to other person's need.

 3. TELL YOUR TRUTH

Your voice is your power. Use "I" statements:

1. "I observe . . .  _____________________." – without judgement, state your observations
2. "I feel . . .  _____________________." – state your feelings
3. "I need . . . _______________________." – state your desire or need
4. "I would like . . .  _____________________."
   1. State request
   2. Give preference: "On a scale of 1-10, I would like this to happen 9, really a lot."
      

4. LISTEN AGAIN

1. "Do you understand my request and is it okay with you?"
2. Listen (see #2 above)
3. Get to where you can honestly say "I hear you."

5. AGREE

• Shake (or hug) on your agreement
• Smile