In the 1970s, Richard Bandler and John Grinder developed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as a way to understand the effectiveness of renowned communicators. Their focus was on what made individuals like Fritz Perls and Virginia Satir so impactful, despite their differing approaches. Later, they expanded their research to include hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, refining the NLP model further.

How Experts Achieve Success

Bandler and Grinder based their approach on observable success rather than theoretical frameworks or academic credentials. Their primary goal was to uncover the specific actions that led to behavioral change.

Previously, efforts to analyze highly skilled individuals had faced challenges. This is because experts often perform their skills unconsciously, making it difficult to articulate how they achieve results. For example, if someone were asked how they became proficient at reading, writing, or speaking, they might struggle to explain the process in detail.

I find it fascinating to read interviews with accomplished leaders discussing their management abilities. Many assume they understand their own success, yet history has shown that self-perception can be flawed. Take the executives of Enron, for instance—during the company’s peak, they were convinced they had mastered business strategy, yet Jeffrey Skilling dismissed the importance of accurate financial records, leading to disastrous consequences.

By asking, “What do these highly effective therapists have in common?” Bandler and Grinder developed an innovative and practical model for change.

Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming

The term “Neuro-Linguistic Programming” has origins in the work of Alfred Korzybski, contradicting claims that Bandler and Grinder invented it entirely. NLP, including elements of Ericksonian hypnosis, has been surrounded by misunderstandings and sensationalism. Some critics perceive it as:

• Manipulative
• Mysterious or akin to “magic”
• Something that either completely works or doesn’t at all

There is even a niche community that promotes NLP for persuasion and seduction, further contributing to its controversial reputation.

Neuro

We experience reality through our senses, shaping our perceptions and actions accordingly. Sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste all play a role in how we process information through our nervous system, ultimately influencing our behavior.

Linguistic

Language, along with other non-verbal communication systems, forms the core of how we express ourselves and interact with others. A Jungian perspective might suggest that communication is deeply tied to our human journey, beginning with our first cry and evolving into complex patterns of expression.

Programming

The “programming” aspect of NLP refers to the structured way we think, behave, and achieve results. Human behavior follows recognizable patterns rather than occurring randomly. By understanding the sequence of our thoughts and actions, we can predict and even modify outcomes. Just as a recipe determines whether we bake a cake or prepare a stir-fry, our internal beliefs shape our abilities. If we tell ourselves we cannot do something, we often prove ourselves right.