NLP modelling of excellent performers. 

As part of our practitioner accreditation training we ask students to identify someone who has skills or achievements that they admire - and present back with three or four ideas that will help both themselves and other members of the group improve their performance in whatever field is chosen.

The following is our 'starter brief' that can be used by almost anybody. Try it a couple of times and you may find that you have some very valuable skills in this area.

This modelling is based on Robert Dilts 'logical levels' rather than the 'deep trance identification' used by Bandler and Grinder; however it provides a useful and pragmatic introduction to modelling.

Firstly decide who you would like to model or what skills  or capabilities you would like to develop. Remember NLP is about modelling the best - so set your sights high, you'll be surprised who'll see you if you come over as genuinely interested. And there are lots of others to see if they don't.

Use a tape/mini disc recorder and preferably arrange to see people in their offices - I have some very interesting recordings in bars and clubs - but the background noise blanks out the content!! And remember to listen - sometimes questions that don't make any sense to you get the best answers. 

Mix and match the following question sets:

Introduction

You've chosen someone because they're good - so let them know, and keep any confidences that are important to them.

You have a reputation at being good at 'people networking' (adapt to your topic) are you happy that I ask you some questions about it?

Environment

Where and when do you do it?

Behaviours

What specifically do you do?

If you were going to teach me to do it, what would you ask me to do?

Capabilities

What skills do you have that enable you to do this?

How did you learn how to do this?

Beliefs

What do you believe about yourself when you do this?

What do you believe about the person you're doing this to?

Identity

Do you have a personal mission or vision when you're doing this?

Other questions

How do you know that you're good at this?

What emotional and physical state are you in when you do this?

What happened for you to be good at this?

What are you trying to achieve when you do this?

Who else do you recommend I talk to about this?

Please give me a ring if you would like to discuss this further. (Michael 01908 506563)

Business methodology

To build this into a very powerful process for a business, for example empowering a sales force or customer service unit we would tailor the questions and add a number of other stages.

• Desk research

• Questioning top performers

• Questioning key customers

• Observing in action

• Building an effective model

• Implementing the model

One of the key competencies of NLP is modelling excellent performers (People modelling).