What is Neuro Linguistic Programming – NLP ?

Written by our senior training consultants with over 15 years' experience in leadership development and coaching.

Neuro Linguistic Programming—often shortened to NLP—is about studying how successful people think and behave. The idea is simple: if we can understand the beliefs, habits, and thought patterns that drive success, we can model them and apply those patterns in our own lives.

NLP originated in the 1970s, developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who studied top communicators and therapists to understand how they achieved results. What do successful people do differently? What do they believe? Once these patterns are uncovered, they can be taught, practiced, and applied by anyone seeking personal or professional growth.

Breaking Down the Name

• Neuro — refers to how our brain processes experiences and stores them as thoughts or memories.
• Linguistic — how language shapes our reality and how we use it to communicate or make sense of what’s happening around us.
• Programming — suggests that our habits and behaviors follow certain codes, and that these can be adjusted or reprogrammed.

The Four Core Principles of NLP

1. Rapport

How well you connect with others impacts everything from teamwork to leadership to negotiation. NLP offers practical tools for building trust and creating stronger connections—both in personal and professional settings.

2. Sensory Awareness

NLP trains you to become more attuned to your surroundings—what you see, hear, feel, and sense. It sharpens your perception so you can notice subtle cues others might miss, which is especially useful in communication and decision-making.

3. Outcome Thinking

Rather than staying stuck in problems, NLP encourages you to focus on what you want to achieve. This shift in mindset helps with goal setting, clarity, and taking meaningful action—whether you're planning your week or designing your life.

4. Behavioral Flexibility

When old habits no longer serve you, NLP encourages you to adapt. Flexibility means being willing to change strategies and try new approaches instead of repeating what doesn’t work. It’s a key mindset in leadership, coaching, and personal development.

So, What Does NLP Really Do?

NLP doesn’t magically fix the world. What it does is help you change how you experience it. By shifting how you perceive challenges, communicate with others, or respond to setbacks, you become more effective—and often, more fulfilled.

It’s worth noting that NLP is not universally accepted by the scientific community. While many coaches and professionals swear by its results, formal research on its effectiveness is limited. It remains a widely used tool in personal development, communication, and leadership coaching.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re interested in leadership and communication, explore our customizable training material packages:

• Lead, Motivate & Inspire – Leadership Training Package
• Managing People – Management Skills Training Package

Related Self-Assessment

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How Emotionally Intelligent Am I? – Self-Assessment