Why there are supposed to be three of these when there are about five and why they are called legs I do not know!
These are principles to excellence, personal development and change. Whether applied to individuals in need of therapeutic intervention, Executive or Sports Coaching at the highest level or even organisational development. Outcome, Sensory Acuity, Flexibility were the original three legs or principles of NLP. Added to these were rapport, take action and operate from a physiology of excellence.
Outcome NLP is about achieving excellence and as such outcomes are key to this process. In order to be effective one needs to have clear outcomes in mind towards which to work. These can be large or small long or short term. This process is not limited to planned developments in life but also to every day actions and interactions with others. Outcome is a useful concept because of the fact that the brain only works in a positive way; outcomes are expressed in positive terms. The brain only deals with negatives by turning them into positive thoughts and aspirations – whether we like it or not. When someone says ‘Don’t think of a pink elephant,’ the brain has to first represent the elephant to process the thought.
Characteristics of outcomes:
• Outcomes are always positive.
• Outcomes should focus on personal action.
• Outcomes need to developed in as much detail as possible.
• You need to be able to specify how you will know when the outcome has been reached.
• The outcome should be within the range of the available resources .
• The outcome should be of an appropriate size.
• The impact on the individual and their immediate environment have to be considered – this is called ‘ecology.’
• The more extensively rehearsed the outcome is the more the brain will identify opportunities which are part of the outcome.
Sensory Acuity
The senses: Visual – Auditory – Kinaesthetic (Gustatory – Olfactory). Acuity is defined as:
• Keenness or acuteness, especially in vision or thought.
• The capacity to discern nuances and fine detail.
This is the extent to which we are able to use our senses to perceive the world. NLP theory postulates that we are able to develop our own sensory acuity, and through this, understand our own perceptions of the world and the perceptions and representational systems of others. Language Through developing a greater level of acuity in terms of language we are able to understand how others represent the world to themselves – through their own internal representational systems. Vocal Effects Vocal effects – tone of voice, intonation, rising and falling tunes in voice are part of communication and not only convey meaning but also belie the beliefs and values of others. Non-Verbal Cues This is a very wide range of behaviour which includes eye movements, skin tone and colour, facial expression, breathing, posture as well as broader body language. Eye movements can indicate lead representative systems and how people access memory. Facial expression can be evident or very subtle changes of muscle tension. Congruence of verbal and non verbal cues. (whether or not what people say matches the way they look)
Circumstances
Being aware of the extent to which you are moving towards your outcomes (or not) as well as the effects of your actions on your environment (those around you)
Sensory acuity is as applicable to ones-self as it is to others. The greater ones self awareness and understanding of ones own perceptual filters – preconceptions and beliefs Sensory acuity is about noticing what it is about what you are noticing.
Flexibility Flexibility is the degree to which the individual is free to choose how to respond in any given situation. Through developed sensory acuity and self awareness the individual can develop a greater range of choices for themselves in any given situation. This impacts on how we feel about any situation – good or bad and therefore the impact which these events will have on us meeting our objectives. NLP is really about developing in ourselves increased flexibility in every situation so that we always have a range of choices in front of us which we can operate with in order to achieve our objectives.
Variations
Action (Tony Robbins)
One variation is that there should also be action developing objectives sets our course, sensory acuity opens up understanding and awareness, flexibility gives us choices but the essential aspect in moving from where we are to where we need to be is to take action to bring about that change. Action is application of the other three legs of NLP. Rapport (Ian McDermott) Rapport is the process we use to engage with others. We do this naturally but with NLP we develop awareness and skills to be able to do this rationally. Through being in rapport with others we are able to engage positively with others and interact more effectively with them. Useful in dealing with others if this is part of our roles but also vital if we are to achieve our goals through interaction with others. Operate from a Psychology and Physiology of excellence. Tad James By taking conscious control of our physiology we can influence our own emotional state. We do this primarily through breathing, eliciting an associated state with broader aspect of physiology following. Our posture, movement and body language are related to our internal state. If we move and act in an energetic and lively manner then our mood will follow suit.
Adopt a psychology of excellence – this is to do with having the belief and expectation that we can do anything anyone else can do given the right amount of practice, training, etc.
‘If one man can do it then any man can do it.’
