NLP At Work : The Difference That Makes the Difference in Business

Consider for a moment something you would like to do in the

future but haven't done yet. It could be something simple and

short term, for example:

❏ Clearing your desk.

❏ Writing a letter to a friend.

❏ Reading a book you have bought.

❏ Giving a colleague some information you promised.

Or it might be on a bigger scale, such as:

❏ Learning a language.

❏ Taking the holiday you have always wanted.

❏ Changing jobs.

❏ Starting a family.

a Which ones would you put into the category of “must” or

“should” do? Which ones feel more appropriate when you

precede them with words like “want to” and “can do”?

bTake one of the “musts” and one of the “can dos.” In your

mind, step into the “must do.” For example, “I must clean

my desk.” What sort of feeling do you get when you say this

to yourself?

c Now try on the “can do.” For example, “I can learn French.”

Choose your own “I can” and repeat it to yourself. Say it in

a matter-of-fact, encouraging tone of voice. How do you

feel? Usually “I can” said to yourself in a positive way

generates feelings of confidence and enthusiasm. It is a way

of giving yourself permission, reminding yourself what you

can indeed do.

Recognizing and challenging deletions, generalizations, and

distortions in your own and others’ speech patterns will not

only improve the quality of the way you communicate, it will

improve your ability to choose what you really want from life.

Skilled communicators have mastery over their language. The

more flexibility you have over your language, the more

106 NLP AT WORK

SUMMARY

Shortcut to challenging personal limitations

Skilled communicators have

mastery over their language