Introduction

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) suggests that effective communication and rapport building results in personal and organizational success (Youell R. and Youell C., 2013) by using the language of the mind (Carter, 2005). The concept comprises philosophies, methodologies, tools and techniques.

However, some authors disagree with the NLP approach and cite evidence of exaggerated claims and lack of rigorous research (Dowlen, 1996). For example, research by Hogan (n.d.), shows that there is no significant relationship between eye movement and sensory representational thought access and, as such, the results of the study did not support the eye movement hypothesis in NLP. Others have debated whether NLP is an Art or a Science (Owen-Moylan, 2010) Notwithstanding the disagreements, similar models have been developed but under different names (The Best You TV, 2013). These models include Emotional Intelligence (EI), – the concept was first identified in the 1930s as “social intelligence” (Landy, 2005). Daniel Coleman gave prominence to the idea in 1995 with his publication of Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. EI is about being more aware of your impact on others and how you manage your behaviour for optimal results (Bradberry and Antonakis 2015). This component is similar in part to NLP.

Nevertheless, the concept of NLP first emerged in the 1970s when Richard Bandler, a computer scientist and John Grinder, a professor of linguistics at the University of California in Santa Cruz, studied people who excelled at what they did. The emphasis was on an individual’s ability to communicate and influence (Youell R. and Youell C., 2013). Bandler and Grinder’s goal was to develop models of how it was that these people got the results they did. They sought to identify and benchmark the behaviours that produced these results and then to teach others to emulate same (nlp-practitioners.com, n.d.). According to Bandler and Grinder (1970), NLP refers to claimed systematic, cybernetic links between a person’s internal experience (neuro), their language (linguistic) and their patterns of behaviour (programming) (cited in Tosey and Mathison 2003).

Definitions

Let us consider a few definitions of NLP.

NLP is “an attitude that has to do with curiosity, with wanting to know about things, wanting to be able to influence things, and wanting to be able to influence them in a way that’s worthwhile” (Richard Bandler cited in Meehan, 2012).

NLP is “about self-discovery, exploring identity and mission. It also provides a framework for understanding and relating to the ‘spiritual’ part of human experience that reaches beyond us as individuals to our family, community and global systems. NLP is not only about competence and excellence, it is about wisdom and vision” (Dilts, 2011).

According to the association for NLP (2013), “NLP looks at the way in which we think and process our thoughts (Neuro), the language patterns we use (Linguistic) and our behaviours (Programming) and how these interact to have a positive (or negative) effect on us as individuals”. “NLP is the practice of understanding how people organise their thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results they do” (NLP Academy, 2013)

Why is NLP important for Leaders?

Leadership and empathy are often poles apart and leaders regularly fail to understand that individuals are unique and experience things differently. It is a scientific fact that the more successful people are, the harder it is for them to understand what others feel and understand (Hauden, 2015). Studies suggest that power diminishes empathy in the brain (Blanchard, 2013). Furthermore, power changes how the brain operates in many ways (Benderev, 2013) and this re-affirms Lord Acton’s quote – “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. However, the good news is that Dacher Keltner, a social psychologist at University of California says an emerging field of study suggests powerful people can be coached back to compassionateness (cited in Benderev, 2013). This “emerging field” may, in one way or another share a similar approach to the NLP model.

Therefore, if leaders begin to understand that no two persons are exactly the same, rather, they have different thoughts, feelings and each have varying responses to different situations, then they can begin to understand/empathise how others feel. With a working knowledge of NLP, leaders can be more flexible in presenting their messages to appeal to a wider audience. There are numerous examples of where NLP has been useful for individuals and organizations (Carter, 2005). Researched evidence (Dowlen, 1996) suggests NLP is useful in management development with respect to communication vis-à-vis the techniques using language patterns.

Examples

Let’s consider some examples: Recently, the British House of Parliament wanted to pass a vote for military air strike in ISIS controlled areas in Syria. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, had called the opposition Labour Party members who were not in support of military action ‘Terrorist Sympathisers’ and this generated lively debate and concerns. David Cameron persistently refused to apologise to his Labour Party critics. So, in this situation, how does NLP come into play? Recall that on 12 different occasions, the opposition members requested that the PM apologise and his persistent refusal made it difficult for the proposed debate to make any headway as at the time (ITV News, 2015). The PM would have wanted a positive outcome (support for military action) but his actions were inconsistent with the results he wanted. One might wonder why the PM found it so difficult to apologise. Would it have meant weakness on his part, if he had done so?

Furthermore, lessons can be learned from past leaders like Saddam Hussein and Gaddafi. If they had pictured their respective ends, would they have ruled differently? However, picturing the end vis-à-vis, the worst case scenario applies in different spheres of life. If people can forecast the outcomes of processed information, would they change?

Summary

NLP is about bonding with people. NLP is about giving people a better outlook in life. The conceptis a powerful change management tool that can transform the way we think and act in order to have the greatest impact both professionally and personally. It is about how we use the language of our mind to achieve our desires. A basic knowledge of NLP (used with good intentions), is a beneficial tool for leaders and their organizations. Leaders seeking to learn how to win the hearts and minds of the people, will, first of all, empathise. This is because being attuned to other people’s emotions and concerns is significant today in a cross-cultural society that spills over into the global corporate world. The interesting part of NLP is that the process can help leaders picture (forecast) the end. This, they can do by taking in information and processing it in a meaningful way so that the outcome (verbal and/or non-verbal) will be positive.

NLP Training

Though NLP is a broad subject, some practitioners have reservations when people acquire basic training and end up trying to train others to become NLP therapists. Whilst this is worrisome (Yemm, 2006), some practitioners argue that one does not need to undertake an expensive certification training to be able use NLP methods, provided the skills are comprehensively learned (Dowlen, 1996). The writer however, thinks that transferring the basic knowledge learned to help others achieve their desired objectives is a welcome development. To learn the NLP techniques in details, the writer suggests leaders seek training from certified NLP practitioners.

References

Benderev, C., (2013). When Power Goes To Your Head, It May Shut Out Your Heart. [online] Available at: http://www.npr.org/2013/08/10/210686255/a-sense-of-power-can-do-a-number-on-your-brain [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Blanchard, K., (2013). Power robs the brain of empathy. [online] Available at: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/356229 [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Bradberry, T. and Antonakis, J., (2015). Is Emotional Intelligence a Good Measure of Leadership Ability? HRMagazine, 60(9), pp. 22-23.

Carter, D., (2005). Neuro Linguistic Programming: a personal perspective. Training Journal, pp. 16-19.

Dilts, R.B., (2011). What is NLP? [online] Available at: http://www.nlpu.com/NewDesign/NLPU_WhatIsNLP.html [Accessed 6 December 2015].

Dowlen, A., 1996. NLP – help or hype? Investigating the uses of neuro-linguistic programming in management learning. Career Development International, 1(1), pp. 27-34.

Haudan J., (2015). Why Leaders Lose Their Emotions. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-leaders-lose-emotions-jim-haudan [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Hogan (no date). NLP Eye Accessing Cues: Uncovering the Myth. [online] Available at: http://www.kevinhogan.com/NLPeyeaccess.htm [Accessed 4 December 2015].

ITV News. (2015). Syria Vote: David Cameron refuses to apologise for “terrorist sympathisers” remarks.

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5RmcmPkFBc [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Landy, F.J., (2005). Some historical and scientific issues related to research on emotional intelligence. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), pp. 411-411+.

Meehan, T. (2012). What Is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)? [online] Available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Neuro-Linguistic-Programming-(NLP)?&id=7088774 [Accessed 6 May 2013].

NLP Academy (2013). What is NLP? [online] Available at: http://www.nlpacademy.co.uk/what_is_nlp/ [Accessed 6 May 2013].

NLP-Practictioners.com (n.d.). So what is NLP? How did it start? [online] Available at: www.nlp-practitioners.com/what-is-nlp/ [Accessed 6 May 2013].

Owen-Moylan, S. (2010). Is NLP an art or a science? The debate continues… [online] Available at: http://www.jsnlp.co.uk/nlp-art-science-debate-continues/ [Accessed 4 December 2015].

The Association for NLP (2013). Presuppositions of NLP. [online] Available at: http://www.anlp.org/presuppositions-of-nlp [Accessed 7 May 2013].

The Best You TV. (2013). Neuro Linguistic Programming Why its the Best Self Improvement Technique? By Richard Bandler.

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBopF3HyaCU [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Tosey, P., and Mathison, J., (2003). Neuro-linguistic programming: its potential for learning and teaching in formal education. [online] Available at: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/00003319.htm [Accessed 4 December 2015].

Yemm, G., 2006. Can NLP help or harm your business? Management Services, 50(2), pp. 43-45.

Youell, R. and Youell C (2013). Effective NLP Skills. 2nd ed. London: Kogan Page Limited. p10. [online] Available at: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=eRGaYxOlLdMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Effective+NLP+Skills&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ddCIUaelCIb20gXcjoH4DQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Effective%20NLP%20Skills&f=false [Accessed 7 May 2013].