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

Visual metaphors

time to change the metaphor that underpinned the culture of

this company.

Listen to the language that colleagues and friends use.

Have you heard these sorts of statements?

❏ I need to combat his response.

❏ We can overcome objections.

❏ We need to keep our heads down.

❏ On track to achieve what we want.

❏ Steaming ahead.

❏ We will carry no passengers.

❏ Everything in the garden is rosy.

❏ They are blooming.

❏ Business has died down.

❏ Life is a ball.

When you are aware of the metaphor by which you, friends,

and colleagues live, you will be aware of the way you and they

are thinking. Understanding the metaphor both in and behind

the communication can help you make sense of an individual's

experience. If you know someone who thinks in terms of

overcoming objections, you may begin to understand any

resistance they experience from their colleagues, staff, and

customers. Imagine how you would feel if someone were

attempting to overcome your objections!

Metaphors are rich in their ability to enhance

communication. Below are some examples of visual

metaphors drawn by course delegates to depict either the way

they saw themselves then or the way they wanted to see

themselves in the future.

128 NLP AT WORK