Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) - How Does it Work?
NLP is the study of effective communication, thinking and behaviour. It provides a philosophy and a set of powerful tools to effect change in oneself and support others to do the same.
Knowledge bank
NLP holds to the philosophy that we create enhanced external results by examining and changing what is within ourselves.
NLP holds that what we perceive internally, is what we project outwards. Therefore if we change our internally constructed perceptions we change the reality we experience outside of ourselves.
NLP holds that if we believe we're the cause of what happens around us, then we can take actions to bring about change. If however we believe that things are done to us and that we have no control over how we respond, we're at what is known as 'effect'. Being at effect is disempowering and limits peak performance.
NLP presupposes and draws on our untapped inner resources.
NLP is capable of:
- managing thoughts and feelings, bringing greater sense of order and control
- using the unconscious as well as the conscious mind
- helping you to create high levels of rapport with people, quickly
- increasing your level of awareness of others so you can respond more appropriately to them
- accelerating the learning process.
The originators of NLP, Richard Bandler and John Grinder, modelled people who were high-level communicators in their various fields, including Virginia Satir, Milton Erickson and Alfred Korzybski. From their modelling projects they created generic models of linguistics and kinaesthetic tools to bring about change.
Powerful language patterns are a key part of NLP. By paying attention to the specifics of the content and more especially the structure of language, we can empower others to achieve their goals.
NLP has begun to gain a following among teachers because they are recognizing that its principles have important relevance for learners - when used effectively, NLP can be a powerful tool to help learners achieve their potential.
Ask yourself
- Does NLP offer any insights that could enlighten what happens in your classroom?
- What do you know of related fields that help you to see what NLP has to offer?
- What type of language patterns do you use and what does this mean for your learners?
To do list
- Examine your own philosophies in relation to the key points above.
- Consider attending a basic NLP training course.
- Identify the areas of NLP that you feel will particularly help you in the classroom and focus your reading on these.
- Think of a situation where you're currently facing a challenge. Consider how you might be projecting your internal thoughts onto the situation, mind-reading the other person. Consider the effect of the behaviours you're exhibiting based on your current projections.