Coaching with NLP For Dummies®

Chapter 2

Gathering the Essential NLP Skills

In This Chapter

• Developing rapport quickly
• Setting your mind for dynamic coaching
• Going beneath the words: two key NLP language models
• Modelling others' successes

When you first hear the term NLP or Neuro-linguistic Programming, it may sound like a software package or operating system. In some ways, that's true: exploring NLP is like discovering a human operating system. Beneath all the jargon, NLP contributes a common sense approach to understanding how people think, speak and take action – one that applies to all aspects and walks of life.

NLP is based on an experiential point of view rather than a cognitive one, that is, you learn most by doing, not by being told about how NLP works. So as you read about NLP in this chapter, keep in mind how you can experience the approach and use it as the foundation for coaching relationships.

Coaches the world over use NLP to support clients in getting the outcomes that they want – including in the worlds of business, education, health, government and many more. Most importantly, you can use it to improve any area of your own life, as well as that of others.

In Chapter 1, I cover NLP's core framework of rapport, sensory awareness, outcome thinking and behavioural flexibility. I also introduce the specific NLP models that appear throughout the book.

This chapter examines the fundamental NLP principles (and some key techniques) that can jumpstart and enhance your coaching. With NLP you can become ...