Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy developed in the 1970s.
NLP aims to understand how people process information and create models for thinking and behaving.
NLP training studies the relationship between neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic), and behavioral patterns learned through experience (programming).
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Definitions
- Neuro: Related to the nervous system, especially the brain.
- Linguistic: Related to language and how it’s used to communicate.
- Programming: Patterns of thinking and behavior that are “programmed” in our brains based on experience.
8 Characteristics of NLP
- Subjectivity: NLP emphasizes that each person uniquely experiences the world.
- Consciousness: People can choose their mental attitudes and emotional states.
- Behavioral flexibility: People can learn and adapt new behaviors through modeling.
- Mind-body connection: Thoughts and mental imagery affect physiology.
- Holistic processing: People process information through their senses as whole units.
- Multiple perspectives: There are always various ways to perceive experiences.
- Resourceful states: People have all the internal resources they need to succeed.
- Positive orientation: Outcomes can be framed positively and constructively.
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5 Features and Benefits of NLP
- Communication skills: NLP teaches communication skills through rapport, sensory acuity and language patterns. This improves relationships.
- Behavioral flexibility: NLP modeling allows people to adapt beneficial behaviors and strategies from others. This enhances effectiveness.
- Goals and outcomes: NLP provides techniques for setting and achieving goals by managing mental and emotional states, which fosters success.
- Unconscious patterns: NLP reveals unconscious patterns of thought and behavior. Bringing these to awareness allows change.
Implementation Areas of NLP
NLP has many applications in fields that involve communication, personal growth and therapy:
- Business and leadership.
- Education.
- Health and wellness.
- Counselling and coaching.
- Sports and performance.
- Interpersonal relationships.
5 Examples of Using NLP in the Workplace
Building Rapport
Using matching, mind maps, and mirroring techniques to create trust and influence with clients and colleagues. This involves matching body language, speech tempo, voice tone and language patterns.
Setting Outcomes
Using the “well-formed outcomes” process to set goals that are stated positively, initiated, and maintained by the person setting them improves follow-through.
Managing Meetings
Conduct meetings productively by using NLP techniques like pacing, leading, and framing. This keeps people and teams engaged and aligned with the outcomes. We hear this from customers who regularly use our corporate, employee, and leadership courses.
Resolving Conflict
Understanding people’s communication styles and values to mediate conflict. Reframing issues in a positive way that respects both sides. This creates win-win resolutions.
Motivating Teams
Modelling influential leaders’ language patterns and communication styles and using these to inspire teams and promote ownership of goals. This drives results.
Conclusion
NLP provides practical techniques for improving communication, achieving goals, developing oneself, influencing others and creating positive change.
NLP is a valuable toolkit for enhancing effectiveness in both personal and professional spheres.
With practice, anyone can learn to apply NLP principles in the workplace and beyond.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
