Citation
Ingram, H. (2003), "Understanding Neuro‐Linguistic Programming in a Week", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 130-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm.2003.15.2.130.2
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
This book forms part of the Institute of Management series in which topics such as project management, assertiveness, selling and business plans are covered broadly “in a week”. The subject is divided into seven daily chapters so that the reader can dip a toe into the nature, scope and application of this technique. Neuro‐linguistic programming, or NLP, was developed in the USA by such pioneers as Richard Bandler and John Grindler, in the 1970s. Their work looked at how people excel, particularly when managing change. They used this information to devise specific processes to teach these methods to others. Uniquely, these pioneers identified certain principles needed to “make the difference” in achieving excellence. These principles concern the meaning of communication, the nature of feedback and the uniqueness of each individual’s personal “map”.
The seven daily chapters start with an introduction to NLP and then look from an individual viewpoint at personal and working beliefs, knowing oneself and making meaning. From “Thursday”, Shapiro introduces the tools and techniques of NLP, including filter systems and increasing options to approaching and reacting to situations.
How exactly can NLP be used in daily life? At the individual level, NLP provides a useful way to look objectively at communication encounters, with an accompanying glossary of specific words with which to describe them. Many organizations use these skills for improving the level of interpersonal communications; for example, by intensifying the way that sales staff “read” and react to customers. Taken to its extreme, NLP might be considered manipulative and interventionist, rather like the banned skill of “card reading” in casinos. The truth, however, is that this is not a devious and scheming way to read people’s minds, but simply is an interesting and well‐researched technique which is of interest to all of us who aspire to communicate better. It is worth a read!