Ways Neurolinguistic Programming Improves Workplaces
- Improved Communications
- Active Listening
- Better Negotiations
- Power Words
- Marketing Tool
Neurolinguistic programming (NLP) was developed in the 1970s by John Grinder and Richard Bandler. The pair discovered a way to enhance communication verbal and non-verbal skills between individuals. Through the years, NLP has become a core element in many sales teams and has been shown to have some significant results in improving many workplaces.
Improved Communications
One of the most important elements in any workplace is effective communication. If two individuals are speaking to each other but are not effectively communicating, valuable time and resources might be wasted. NLP allows workers to speak effectively and also to determine when their messages and statements are not being understood. If they aren’t being clear, they can alter the way they communicate so others can comprehend them more effectively.
Active Listening
Too often, people tend to engage in passive listening. This is the style of listening where full attention isn’t being focused on what is being currently said. Rather, the person passively listening is just waiting for the right moment to respond to a question or statement. NLP encourages active listening—letting the other parties see their words and intentions are being understood.
Better Negotiations
In the workplace, negotiations take place all the time:
- Employees negotiate with management
- sales negotiates with potential clients
- the company itself often is engaged with negotiations in areas such as public perception
Neurolinguistics programming allows those negotiations to take place smoothly and efficiently. Part off the problems with poor negotiations is a failure to understand another party’s point of view and how your own point of view is being perceived. If management uses NLP effectively to find the best way to motivate employees in the workplace, it becomes a win-win situation for all parties.
The Power of Words
NLP understands the incredible power of words. The words used between people have a tremendous impact on whether or not a message is getting through. Finding the right words to use at the right time for the right person is an NLP skill that can:
- generate sales
- turn customer complaints into a positive exchange
- be effective in resolving interpersonal conflicts between employees
If someone is looking to create a positive exchange, words showing up in the conversation should be along the lines of “believe” and “happy” and “successful.” Words have a way of cutting through the static, sometimes, and just going straight for the emotions.
Marketing Tool
Since NLP is all about effective communication, it should come as no surprise that it’s also a great marketing tool. An article in Forbes Magazine explains how giving the sales team NLP in the workplace can boost morale and increase sales. When the sales team meets with clients, they can use their training to determine whether or not a sales pitch is being effective. If it isn’t, they can modify and adapt the material accordingly, thereby making the client more receptive to whatever is being sold.
Conclusion
Neurolinguistics programming is not any kind of magic science. It is simply taking proven techniques and using them to make communication as effective and non-confrontational as possible. By employing NLP techniques, companies have strengthened communication and increased sales.