Non-judgemental communication for researcher development

Non-judgemental communication in peer-interaction can support individual development of the intellectual capacity and personal effectiveness required for self-motivated exploration and discovery. It can also increase collegiality among researchers who work together, enhancing their potential for future engagement and influence. The disciplined use of non-judgmental communication skills for an agreed period of time does not replace the need for the usual academic discourse of argument, critique, discussion and evaluation. It offers additional opportunities to find different ways forward. The approach can be applied to strictly intellectual issues, to the strategic planning of projects or career progression, to the formulation of publication proposals or grant applications, or to other issues of personal or interpersonal significance.