Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) consists in studying how our thought are affecting our behaviors and how we can access our thoughts, emotions and feelings and change them.
It started in the 1970’s in Santa Cruz, USA with Bandler and Grinder. There are a multitude of different techniques.
Let’s just explain a bit the terms :
- Neuro: This part refers to our brain, the process of thoughts and our representation system of the information around us (See this article for more information).
- Linguistic: The thoughts are transmitted through language. The NLP techniques are based on language.
- Programming: We all have programs built from our past experiences, environment, family, education, culture etc. Those programs are like habits that are mainly unconscious.
1. How does it really work?
There are two aspects in NLP:
- Passive part: Through language (words and communication) the way the person think and the unconscious programs can be revealed (from client to coach)
- Active part: Through language again the initial programs can be uninstalled or modified by changing the way of thinking and acting (from coach to client)
The passive part will consist more of a study of the person and the specific questions asked, while the active part will consist of new patterns, new ways of doing things that are proposed and found by the person themselves. By repeating the new pattern, it becomes a habit and can be fully integrated.
2. NLP in marketing
- rapport building: mirroring non-verbal cues and language patterns to create a connection
- anchoring: use specific triggers such as jingles, slogans etc.
- language patterns: employing persuasive language patterns using specific words and sentences
- representational systems: adapt the message in accordance with people representation system through the senses
The effects of these techniques are :
- Influencing Purchase Decisions: dealing with emotions, needs and desire to create persuasive message
- Shaping Perception: play on perception to make a product more attractive and desirable
- Promoting brand loyalty: establish strong emotional connection with consumers
The main example to actually find this are Coca-Cola or cars commercials.
3. NLP in coaching
NLP is powerful and can be used for good or for bad things.
As a Professional certified Coach, I only use it in respect to the deontology and the person with a total transparency.
The main reason for using NLP tools in coaching are to:
- Unveil the non-productive programs (share with client and make it becomes conscious)
- Modify and create a new productive programs by changing habits, behaviors and beliefs (new way of doing found by the client with the supervision of the coach)
- Develop new capacities and new strategies (based on clients potential and other technique of modelisation of another person who has the capacity)
- Improving relations (getting rid of blocking patterns that are playing in our relationships)
Everyone is 95% to 99% of the time unconscious
We are made up of unconscious patterns that hold us back. We all need help to eliminate bad patterns/programs. These programs are generally old and well established from childhood. Powerful tools need to be used, which is why NLP techniques are so welcome for this.
The coaching goal is always the client well-being.