Thread: What is NLP? What does it add to Coaching? What makes a good NLP Coach?

Extracts from a Useful Guide to NLP for Coaches Continued....


What is NLP?

NLP is the exploration of how we think, communicate and change - so that we can model, replicate and improve performance. NLP's core competencies are about:

1) Attitudes that produce results
2) Modelling (An important NLP approach discussed on page 43)
3) Techniques, so we can transfer the results of the above

It's not NLP that's important it's what we do with it.

NLP is different from other personal development approaches in that:

1) It is modelled from individuals who were experts at helping others change

2) It takes into account how we connect to the world through our sensory experience and how we store and change that experience through using our minds and bodies

3) It is highly effective at connecting conscious and unconscious resources, leading to individuals connecting to their ‘untapped potential.’ NLP combines logical, sensory, emotional and intuitive thinking to enable you and your clients to reach theirs goals more easily.

4) NLP is as much about ‘unlearning’ and ‘letting go’ of what we’ve previously learned that is now getting in our way, as having to learn a lot of new material. Most NLP is ‘natural and ‘obvious’. Unfortunately we often have to experience the results ourselves before we realise it

It’s worth remembering that while NLP can and does produce immediate ‘magical’ results, both personally and for business (just look at some of Derren Brown and Paul McKenna’s material), many of the best Practitioners have spent many years quietly practising and refining their craft.

You could therefore treat this ebook as the start rather than the end of your adventure.

What does NLP add to coaching and change?

NLP provides a set of simple and practical tools that will support a coaching relationship. By using NLP’s tools to explore your goals, establish plans of action and make necessary changes in your approach, you will have more skills as a coach, greater flexibility and thereby be more effective.

NLP’s approach supports the latest research which suggests that there are at least three distinct thinking systems in human beings; the “reptilian (stem) brain”, the “mammalian (limbic) brain” and the “human (neocortex) brain.”

It is the effective awareness and use of all these thinking systems together that lead to mastery as a coach – and success in almost all areas of life.
NLP addresses the underlying processes for change rather than the superficial symptoms, and it is based on modelling best practice, judged by the achievement of desired results within their own context as opposed to a generalised view of success or high performance.

NLP helps you, your clients and your organisation to adapt more easily and perform more effectively as a balanced system.

What makes a good NLP coach?

The very best coaching depends on the strength of the relationship between the client and the coach, and therefore depends on the specific context. We have found the following list to be a useful guide as to what makes a good coach:

1) A curiosity about helping people solve their own problems
2) Control of their own goals, not simply serving their clients
3) Life experience
4) Business experience
5) An ability to 'shut up' and give the client room to think
6) An ability to suspend ego, albeit temporarily
7) Developed their own models from other coaches, mentors and clients
8) Formal accreditation
9) Practice, practice, practice
10) Feedback, feedback, feedback
11) Feedback against results, rather than what people say at the time

Good training and coaching enables you to significantly 'build on' and 'amplify' what you're already good at and therefore form an important part in becoming a good coach.

More to Follow

A Useful Guide to NLP for Coaches

Very good and informative post. Looking forward to your next post.