Third Generation NLP for Leaders and Coaches

with Robert Dilts

NLP is now in its third decade as a field of study and has evolved considerably since its beginnings in the mid 1970s. As a third generation of NLP developers, trainers and practitioners move into the world, it is also time to acknowledge a third generation of NLP.

First generation NLP was the original model of NLP derived by Bandler and Grinder from their study of effective therapists. These early applications of NLP were all applied one-on-one, with the focus almost entirely on the individual.
First generation NLP presupposed a therapeutic relationship in which the therapist knew what was best for his or her client. NLP was considered something which one “did to other people.” This led to some NLP applications as seeming to be manipulative when used in non-therapeutic contexts.
Most of the first generation tools and techniques (such as the meta model, anchoring, eye accessing cues, predicates, 6-step reframing, etc.) were focused on problem solving at level of behavior and capabilities.

Second generation NLP began to emerge in the mid to late 1980s. At this time, NLP was expanding to embrace other issues beyond the therapeutic context. While still focused on individuals, second generation NLP emphasized the relationship between oneself and others and widened to include such areas of application as negotiation, sales, education and health.
The tools of NLP also expanded to include higher level issues, such as those related to beliefs, values and “meta programs.” Second generation NLP techniques integrated the use of new distinctions such as time lines, submodalities and perceptual positions into formats like reimprinting, conflict integration, the Disney strategy and the Swish Pattern.

Third generation NLP has been developing since the 1990s. The applications of third generation NLP are generative, systemic and focused at even higher levels of learning, interaction and development—including those relating to identity, vision and mission.
Third generation NLP emphasizes whole system change and can be applied to organizational and cultural development as well as to individuals and teams. The techniques of third generation NLP are “field based,” incorporating principles of self-organization, archetypes and what is known as “fourth position”—a whole system perspective.
The tools of third generation NLP are founded upon alignment, a multi-level perspective and the skills of sponsorship. The assumption of third generation NLP is that the wisdom needed for change is already in the system and can be discovered and released by creating the appropriate context.

This program will focus on the applications of third generation NLP to coaching and leadership. Coaching and leadership both involve helping others to perform at the peak of their abilities. Good leaders and coaches are also skilled in team building and promoting a common culture and shared values amongst team members.
This seminar will cover the knowledge, behavioral skills and personal qualities necessary for people to be effective coaches and leaders.

Sponsoring Alignment for Change
Creating a Win-Win Environment
Applying “Triple Description”
Working with Multiple Time Frames and “Shifting the Burden”
Ethical Thinking Tools