How does NLP work?

Neuro: “Neuro” refers to the voluntary and autonomic nervous systems through which we process experiences via our five senses (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, olfactory and gustatory) and our 'made up' sense – language – which we call “auditory digital”. It highlights the importance of human neurology and physiology as part of the human information system. The neuro element of NLP helps people understand the way they perceive the world. It teaches them to challenge self-imposed limitations and ‘stuck’ thinking. It shows them how to adjust their thinking at will, to access more powerful states and make new distinctions. This results in more choice of ways to achieve the outcomes desired. It also shows how to understand the way others think so that we can communicate with them in ways they will respond to more favourably.

Linguistic: The linguistic element of NLP refers to language and nonverbal symbol systems by which we code, organise and attribute meaning to the neural representations. This helps people to understand the power of language. It demonstrates how ‘self talk’, the inner dialogue within each of us, can hold us back or take us forward. It teaches how to change limiting inner dialogue to open up new possibilities and opportunities. It also teaches techniques to understand and communicate with others more effectively.

Programming: Programming refers to the process of getting ourselves into systematic and regular patterns of responses that habituate into dependable habits. The programming element of NLP helps people to understand the ‘programs’ running in their minds, and shows them how to ‘reprogram’ themselves to have access to more powerful personal resources and so increase their chances of success. It also shows them how to analyse and understand how they and others achieve successful outcomes.

These elements, together with other NLP techniques and understandings, can transform performance in any organisation.

The baby elephant tugged and tugged at the slender rope tethering his leg to a wooden stake a few feet away.

He longed to take off and explore the jungle around him, but no matter how hard he tugged, the rope wouldn’t break.

Eventually he learned it was no use, and settled down every time the rope was attached to his leg.

Years later the elephant had grown tall and strong.

Every day he worked hard, hauling loads of logs from the forest to the river. Then each evening his handler would tether him to the stake again.

In his heart, the elephant still longed to take off and explore the jungle freely, but he knew he couldn’t break the slender rope tying him to the stake.