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Compassionate Curiosity Framework

The document introduces Kwame Christian's Compassionate Curiosity Framework, a three-step tool for guiding difficult conversations. The three steps are: 1) Acknowledge and validate emotions, 2) Get curious with compassion by asking open-ended questions, and 3) Engage in joint problem-solving once both parties' feelings are understood. The framework is meant to help overcome emotional and psychological barriers to conflict resolution by recognizing each side's emotions and needs. An introspective practice is also provided to help individuals check in with their own emotions before difficult conversations.

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2K views1 page

Compassionate Curiosity Framework

The document introduces Kwame Christian's Compassionate Curiosity Framework, a three-step tool for guiding difficult conversations. The three steps are: 1) Acknowledge and validate emotions, 2) Get curious with compassion by asking open-ended questions, and 3) Engage in joint problem-solving once both parties' feelings are understood. The framework is meant to help overcome emotional and psychological barriers to conflict resolution by recognizing each side's emotions and needs. An introspective practice is also provided to help individuals check in with their own emotions before difficult conversations.

Uploaded by

cgoulart
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

AKQA Learning & Development / Compassionate Curiosity Framework

Compassionate Breaking through the


emotional & psychological
Curiosity barriers to conflict.
Framework

Conflict resolution and negotiation expert, Kwame Christian, has found


that while we often assume the main barriers to success in conflict
resolution are strategic and tactical, the true barriers are more often
emotional and psychological. This means that successful conflict
resolution requires acknowledgement and an understanding of the present
Illustration By: Andre Blanco
emotions and unmet needs.
Senior Creative, Berlin
Christian’s Compassionate Curiosity Framework is a tool for guiding
difficult conversations. Use this framework at work or at home, and build INSIGHT
your confidence by utilizing the introspective practice highlighted below.
“The best things in life are
Three Steps of Compassionate Curiosity:
on the other side of difficult
conversations.”
Step One: Acknowledge & Validate Emotions
Kwame Christian
- Recognize how everyone is feeling about the situation, even Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Director at the
if it’s difficult. This includes you voicing your emotions, too! American Negotiation Institute

Step Two: Get Curious with Compassion


Deepen Your Knowledge:
- Ask open-ended questions, designed to not be perceived as a
threat. Start with who, what, where, when, & how.
Guide: Ultimate Negotiation Guide
- Be cautious of asking why questions - they can come off
Provider: American Negotiation Institute
judgmental.

Article: Negotiation with Compassion


Step Three: Engage in Joint Problem-Solving
Producer: The Conversation Factory
- Once both parties acknowledge how they’re feeling and have
identified why there’s an issue, it’s time to work together to
come up with solutions. so there is buy-in from both sides. Podcast: Finding Confidence in Conflict

Producer: Kwame Christian, TedTalk

Introspective Practice
Follow the steps of the above framework to check-in with your own emotions and self-soothe before a difficult conversation happens.
1. Acknowledge & Validate - How are you feeling right now? That’s okay!
2. Get Curious - Why are you feeling this way? What is it that’s bothering you?
3. Problem-Solve - Reconcile the differences between heart and mind. What are your emotional & substantive needs?
4. *Bonus - Anticipate how they might respond. If they respond with X, Y, or Z, then how will you respond? This helps the
conversation become less threatening, and you can be more nimble in the conversation.
Sources:
• Kwame Christian, Guest. “Stop Arguing, Start Brainstorming.” NPR’s Life Kit, Spotify App, 15 Feb, 2021. Resource Link.
• Christian, Kwame. Finding Confidence in Conflict. American Negotiantion Institute, 2020. Link.

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