Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

NLP Overview

NLP was created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s, It's based on the idea that there's a connection between neurological processes, language, and behavior pattern it's a system that leverages the relationships between thoughts, language, and actions. By using these connections, people can reshape their perceptions, enhance communication skills and achieve desired outcomes. Many of it's ideas were modeled on the work of psychiatrist Milton Erickson, anthropologist Gregory Bateson, psychotherapist Virginia Satir and psychiatrist Fritz Perls. It's best known modern proponent is success coach Tony Robbins.

NLP Principles

The Map is Not the Territory

The idea that "The Map is Not the Territory" is about the subjective nature of human experience. People construct a mental map of reality based on their unique experiences, beliefs, and values. NLP encourages individuals to recognize that their perception is just one interpretation of the world and that others have different perspectives. It's generally not reality that limits empower empowers us, but rather our map of reality. This principle also underscores the importance of flexibility in thinking. NLP practitioners.

People are doing their best

Present behavior represents the very best choice available to a person at the time. More resources usually equals more choice and better behaviors.

Outcome Orientation

NLP generally encourages people to set clear and specific outcomes for their goals. This principle emphasizes the importance of defining what a person wants to achieve in a precise and detailed manner. By articulating goals with clarity, individuals provide their minds with a clear direction, aligning their thoughts, emotions, and actions toward the desired outcomes. NLP co-Founder John Grinder's New Code NLP challenges that thinking with the idea that it's actually the unconscious mind that's best suited to set the outcome

Life and mind are systemic processes

The processes that take place within a human being and between human beings and their environment are systemic. Bodies, our societies in our universe form an ecology of complex systems and subsystems all of which interact with and mutually influence one another. It's not possible to isolate any part of the system from the rest of the system.

Self and performance are two different things

It's useful - and sometimes critical - to make a distinction between behavior and self. Confusion between where one ends and the other begins can result in a lot of problems.

The Power of State

NLP places a strong emphasis on the concept of "state," a person's emotional/mental condition at a given moment. The principle recognizes that our emotional states significantly influence our thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making processes. Further, our emotional state is influenced by our physical state. By cultivating positive and resourceful states, people can enhance their resilience, creativity, and overall well-being. This principle empowers people to take control of their emotional responses, fostering a more proactive and constructive approach to challenges.

Rapport Building:

NLP offers techniques for establishing strong connections with others. NLP practitioners learn to adapt their communication style to resonate with others, whether in personal relationships, business interactions, or therapeutic settings. By establishing rapport, individuals can foster trust, enhance collaboration, and create positive interpersonal dynamics.

Choice is better than no choice

The element or person in the system with the widest range of behaviors or variability of choice will control the system.

Academic Research into NLP

1. “The effect of neurolinguistic programming on academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking of EFL learners” by Xiuyun Zhang, Nikoo Davarpanah, and Siros Izadpanah. This study sought to determine the effect of NLP strategies on academic achievement, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. The results showed that NLP strategies play an effective role in learners' critical thinking, academic achievement.
2. “The Clinical Effectiveness of Neurolinguistic Programming” by Lisa Wake, Richard Gray, and Frank Bourke. This book provides a critical appraisal of evidence-based research in the area to indicate the benefits of the approach and identify the need for an increase in randomized well-controlled clinical trials. The book also explores how NLP has been used to treat various disorders including phobias.
3. "The applications of neuro-linguistic programming in organizational settings: A systematic review of psychological outcomes" by Yasuhiro Kotera, David Sheffield, William Van Gordon Human Resource Development Quarterly. The authors meta-analysis of the research concluded that "NLP can be effective for improving a wide range of work-related psychological outcomes including self-esteem and occupational stress."