# On Needs Based Communication/ Guest: Mark Watson, Leadership Consultant at McLean Watson Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson.md Podcast: [For Leaders By Leaders](https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839) Published: 2026-03-05T17:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://ForLeadersByLeaders.podbean.com/e/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson/ Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9b5eif6v4c7ebv4c/FLBL_027_Mark_Watson_a9ezv.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839/episodes/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson Duration seconds: 2171 ## Resource Leadership coach Mark Watson to dive deep into needs-based communication, a powerful framework rooted in the work of Marshall Rosenberg and popularised through Nonviolent Communication. Tune into this episode as we unpack how this four-step approach – starting with the facts, naming feelings, identifying needs, and making clear requests – can transform the way leaders connect, build trust, and navigate challenging conversations. Mark also shares how mastering authentic communication isn't just for conflict resolution but is foundational for thriving teams and organisations. In this episode, we explore: (00:00) Introduction (05:38) Leading with strategy and clear communication (08:28) Using NVC (Nonviolent Communication) as a leadership tool (11:07) The difference between feelings and judgments (15:05) When a CEO shuts down input in a meeting (18:22) Connecting feelings to underlying needs (21:27) Doing the inner work to resolve conflict (23:49) The legacy of nonviolent communication (26:28) The power of observing and asking (31:16) Building empathy through compassionate communication (34:03) Authentic leadership through better communication Connect with Mark Watson here: Mark Watson’s LinkedIn McLean Watson Website The Center for Nonviolent Communication Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Interested in developing more effective leadership skills? Connect with Cinga today here. ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839/episodes/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/for-leaders-by-leaders-7058839/on-needs-based-communication-guest-mark-watson-leadership-consultant-at-mclean-watson.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.