The Skills

These courses introduce Compassionate Communication (aka Nonviolent Communication or NVC), a practice for identifying and articulating what’s important in situations.

They were developed by Earl J. Wagner, who taught them at Google between 2014 and 2024. Earl now leads a team offering the trainings internally at Google and also externally.

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Skills 101

Compassionate Connection

Communicate more efficiently

• Module 1: Debug the discussion in real time
• Module 2: Identify what really matters
• Module 3: Work with emotional reactivity

Materials:

• Feelings & Needs Lists
• Interpretations, Nonempathy, & Empathy

Materials for Facilitators:

• Comp Comm Skills 101 Course Playbook with Checklist

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Skills 200

Compassionate Practice

Practice compassionate communication skills

• Workshop

Materials for Facilitators:

• Comp Comm Skills 200 Course Playbook with Checklist
• Comp Comm Skills 200 Help: How to get involved and facilitate
• Comp Comm Skills 200 Handbook

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Skills 201

Compassionate Collaboration

Collaborate more productively

• Module 1: Express appreciation
• Module 2: Apologize and give feedback
• Module 3: Help them help you achieve your goals

Materials for Facilitators:

• Comp Comm Skills 201 Course Playbook with Checklist

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Skills 301

Compassionate Conflict

Resolve differences more quickly

• Module 1: Assess level of agreement
• Module 2: Set boundaries and say "no"
• Module 3: Move forward when you hear "no"