One of the most frequently asked questions is – What is NLP?
There are various ways of explaining NLP, and many NLP professionals alter the way they explain it depending on the audience. NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It essentially is a method to “use the language of your mind (Neuro-Linguistic) to change the Programmers (or Pattern) of behavior’. In simpler words, we use a language that the mind understands to change behavior or patterns of behavior.
Examples of patterns of behavior at work are:
- Feeling nervous (or confident) before meetings, presentations or significant events
- Becoming angry (or showing understanding) with staff for not delivering on time or conflicts with staff or teammates
- Procrastinating (or being decisive) about making decisions.
Essentially, we can summarize NLP as “a series of skills, techniques and approaches to help you to achieve your desired outcomes and goals” through the “use the language of your mind (Neuro-Linguistic) to change the Programmers (or Pattern) of behavior”.
Two main reasons why there are various definitions are because there are different ways in which NLP can be used, for example, coaching, sales, management, sport, counselling, health and education; and because it is still a relatively new profession.
Let us know what you think or if you would like to add more to the definition if you are practitioner.
