NLP for Managers

Day 1

A short history of NLP

A brief introduction to the subject, covering the formation of NLP, key theorists and main developments; including frequently used definitions of NLP.

Neurological Levels

An overview of levels at which NLP works and how they can be used to position messages and influence people.

• The Neurological levels model
• Understanding how to intervene

Exercise: exploring the applications of the Neurological levels

Day 1 (cont)

Presuppositions (or guiding principles) of NLP

A fundamental aspect of NLP is the beliefs and attitudes that underpin the structure of the tools and the manner in which they are used. Here we engage in an exploration of the philosophy that underpins NLP and cover the thinking and fundamental principles underlying the subject.

• Limiting beliefs
• Empowering beliefs
• Presuppositions of NLP (the inner game of NLP)

Exercise: experimenting with presuppositions

Day 1 (cont)

Building rapport

Understanding why a sense of mutual understanding (or rapport) is so important in the successful application of NLP tools and the ways in which it is achieved.

• The matching and leading concept
• Matching body language & voice qualities
• Matching sensory language
• Matching values
• Matching current experience

Exercise: matching exercises

Exercise: presenting using sensory language

Day 2

Well formed outcomes

The ‘well-formed outcomes process’ is the primary NLP goal setting method. It places great stress on developing a positive mental attitude and an emotional commitment towards achieving a goal. Done well, the goals set using this process help to generate the psychological momentum that is necessary to take action and so drive things forward.

• Outcome thinking
• Dovetailing concept
• Ecology checks
• Future time lines
• The ABCDE of well formed outcomes

Exercise: writing a ‘well formed outcome’ for the change process

Exercise: placing an outcome on the ‘future timeline’

Day 2 (cont)

Individual state management and anchoring

Learning how to control our moods (or emotional states) so that we are always positive; even when faced with stressful events or difficult conversations. One application, for example, would be the ability to create feelings of confidence at the start of a presentation.

• Classical conditioning theory
• Resource anchoring
• The conditioning process
• Building positive emotions
• Using ‘triggers’

Exercise: resource anchoring to build confidence

Day 2 (cont)

Power of using positive language

Appreciating how our choice of words affects the thoughts and emotions of the listener, and understanding how to deliberately select language to have the maximum affect.

• Negative language and the impact on the subconscious mind
• Choosing positive language

Exercise: practising language skills

Day 2 (cont)

Yes sets

Building a history of agreement into a conversation so that the other person gets into the habit of agreeing with you. These techniques help to generate a positive tone to the whole of the meeting, course or interview.

• Summarising
• Tag questions
• Reframing
• Behaviour labelling

Pairs exercise: linking into matching exercises

Pairs exercise: starting a meeting with behaviour labelling

Day 2 (cont)

Hierarchy of ideas and logical levels diagrams

This set of tools is concerned with asking high quality questions that map out precisely a person’s needs, concerns, issues or requirements. This is an essential aspect of solving problems, negotiating agreements and resolving conflict as it means that all interests and desires of both parties are fully understood.

• The logical levels concept
• Moving up logical levels (chunk up)
• Moving across logical levels
• Moving down logical levels (chunk down)

Pairs exercise: gathering information by drawing logical levels diagrams

Group exercise: discussion of applications

Day 3

Understanding sub modalities

Sub modalities are the fine distinctions that people make in their use of sensory language when they express themselves. By tuning into the fine distinctions in the way people use language we can shape our messages to have a powerful impact on their feelings and perceptions.

• Sub modalities and sensory language
• Using sub modalities to change someone’s emotional state (or mood)
• The ‘Swish pattern’ (a classic NLP change technique) and sub modalities

Pairs exercise: matching and leading sub modalities to change state

Pairs exercise: using the ‘Swish pattern’

Day 3 (cont)

Working with hypnotic language patterns

This part of the training course involves using tools adapted from hypnotherapy to speak in highly persuasive ways. The language patterns taught in this section are based on the work of the famous American hypno-therapist Milton Erickson MD and they allow the trainer to have a subtle but powerful affect on their course delegates' thought processes and perceptions.

• Softeners
• Embedded commands
• Marking out commands
• Command tonality

Pairs exercise: applying the language patterns to communicating and embedding NLP skills

Presenting with NLP

Preparing and delivering a five-minute work-based presentation (e.g. addressing a team about a change initiative; explaining a merger or describing a marketing strategy etc.) using core NLP technique to make the speech as inspirational and motivational as possible.