Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Business Coaching - Modelling Excellence.

“Tell me…when did you first notice this feeling?”

NLP model helps to understand how people communicate with themselves as well as with others. Word “neuro” refers to the way humans experience the world through their senses and translate sensory experiences into thought processes, both conscious and unconscious, which in turn activate the neurological system. “Linguistic” refers to the way we use language to make sense of the world, capture and conceptualise experience and then communicate that experience to others. “Programming” addresses the way people code (mentally represent) their experience and adopt regular and systematic patterns of response.

NLP provides a coach with a tool to train those who want to exceed in their career or simply improve their performance in whatever it is they do. The goal of NLP coaching is to maximize the coachee’s resourcefulness and increase the choice they have in a given context. Fundamental to NLP is goal setting. Goals need to be stated in the positive, based upon sensory evidence, be measurable and owned, wanted by the coachee, and be something that really lies with the beliefs and values of the coachee.

The key to NLP coaching is to increase self-awareness to the extent that the coachee recognizes that, whenever they do not know how to move forward, it is only because of the way they are interpreting the world.

Great performers are characterized by certain behavioural patterns. Patterns of excellence can by captured by discussing (modelling) a particular occupation or activity and then using this knowledge to help others replicate excellence themselves.

The core activity of NLP is modelling, which is about replicating those behavioural patterns and the language structure.

By using NLP practice, Business Coaches helps clients to access, amplify and change behaviours. It happens through modelling the way clients internally represent their experience and construct meaning by using words and symbols (language) that get embodied and create feeling states and meta-programmes which in turn induce reactions, actions, more thoughts and meanings.

NLP practitioners can work with individuals and groups. It can be applied in areas such as Education, Training, Organisational Change, Leadership, Marketing, Sales or Education.

Below are some examples of using NLP in business and training:

• honing management skills
• developing excellent communication skills
• better understanding how we learn, think, communicate, how we process the information and our emotions
• learning to build lasting relationships with clients and work colleagues
• honing presentation for business skills
• motivation and leadership development training
• improving negotiating and selling techniques
• goal-setting and self-management
• managing and learning from our emotions

“And…what was happening when you felt great and confident about yourself?”

Another great NLP question.  For more details on NLP, I can put you in touch with one of my associates who is a master practitioner in NLP techniques if you register your interest here.  However, I have found the questioning techniques originated in NLP incredibly useful as part of my own coaching work, even if I am not formally qualified.