The Pathways to Liberation: Matrix for Self-Assessment has at least 2 primary objectives:
- enumerate a clearly defined list of NVC-based skills or capabilities,
- a way to measure development for each capability
The Matrix was intended to offer a lens for exploring Nonviolent Communication (NVC) consciousness. It defines the smallest number of skills possible that would still provide a relatively complete description of the capabilities and consciousness of NVC. The goal was to create a tool that would support self-assessment, clarity, and integration of these skills—for anyone. Because we wanted to support clarity of understanding and to make the tool accessible to as many people as possible, we also worked to use the smallest number of words to describe each skill and its development.
The twenty-eight skills in the Matrix are arranged to start with more basic, foundational skills and progress to increasing complexity. Each skill unfolds through a four-stage progression from unskilled to ever-increasing ability and, finally, integration. We call these developmental stages unskilled, awakening, capable, and integrated.
Three versions of the Matrix survey are offered for your use:
- The Matrix: The full version with all 28 capabilities and the full levels of self-assessment (unskilled, awakening, capable, and integrated)
- Quick Matrix: 11 capabilities for use when you wish to focus your self-assessment on the 11 foundation skills without assessing the more advanced ones
- Quick Self-Assessment: All 28 capabilities with the quick self-assessment of Strength or Edge, for use when you’d like to highlight strengths on which to build and edges on which to focus
When you’re ready, click one of the three buttons below to request a link to the online Matrix to self-assess where you are for each skill.
At the end of the survey, you have the option to review your responses and download a record of them in PDF document format. The online version of the Matrix does allow you to pause and resume its completion later. This pause/resume capability is a convenience in case you are interrupted or run out of time. If you do choose to pause, please be mindful to return to complete it as soon as possible.
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