What is the difference between a feeling and a judgment? Explore the concept of storied feelings and learn how words like disrespected, betrayed, and ignored can serve as gateways to emotional awareness, empathy, and unmet needs.
Needs And Requests
Empathic Listening 101
What does it mean to truly listen empathically? This introductory guide explores six core listening practices: presence, following the speaker's lead, encouragement, empathizing, clarification, and summarizing. Together, these skills help people feel heard, understood, and connected while reducing misunderstanding and conflict.
Four Ways We Avoid Our Feelings—and What to Do Instead
The Tension Between Empathy and Assertiveness
Drawing on a classic article from the Negotiation Journal, John Ford explores the relationship between empathy and assertiveness in negotiation and conflict resolution. The piece examines empathy as accurate, nonjudgmental understanding, explains the role of perspective-taking, and highlights why feeling understood can dramatically shift relationships, reduce conflict, and improve decision-making.