Neuro linguistic programming

Social Politics in Studio Environment:
Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Body Language

Greatest achievements are born from people putting their minds together and working as a team. This is often the case at design studios, and it is absolutely crucial that team members are able to clearly communicate ideas to each other. However, communication goes beyond the spoken words. There are also many forms of non-verbal communication, including subtle, but powerful, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and body language.

As the name suggests, Neuro-Linguistic Programming is related to 1) brain, or nervous system, 2) linguistics, or language, and 3) programming, or computing. Hence, NLP can be defined as “software for the brain.” External stimuli encountered during the day enter the brain as information, and affect personal perceptions and judgements. As Derren Brown elegantly stated, “Our experience of the world reflects only how we represent it to ourselves, and it is not the same as the real thing” (Brown 2007, p. 174).

The term NLP was coined by linguist Dr. John Grinder and numerical scientist Richard Bandler in the 1970s. The official definition of NLP is stated by R. Bandler as follows: “Neuro-Linguistic Programming™ (NLP™) is defined as the study of the structure of subjective experience and what can be calculated from that and is predicated upon the belief that all behavior has structure” (www.neurolinguisticprogramming.com). Through years of observation and research, Grinder and Bandler identified behavioral patterns common to people. These patterns can be used to predict future behaviors of individuals, as well as for therapeutic purposes to aid people understand why certain events affect them the way they do. Another ways to define NLP is as a manual for experiencing the world in the most beneficial way.

Below are two examples of practical applications of NLP. First example is a behavioral pattern called “modeling”. The process of “modeling” starts with identifying a person who has traits that the subject would like to learn. The model is asked a series of key questions, which expose this person’s inner processes. After receiving this information, the subject uses an imaginative process to start to “feel” as the model and to take on his or her skills. Second example describes the relationship between eye movement and the type of perceptions that the person is experiencing. The theory observes that when the subjects are engaged in visualization tasks, theirs eyes tend to move up. Auditory perceptions cause the eyes to move sideways, and kinesthetic ones generally bring the eyes down. However, this should not be taken as absolute truth, since people are unique, and some may have different reactions.

Another form of non-verbal communication is body language. When in a group environment, participants are conveying information by the way they hold their posture, move their arms and legs, and the amount of personal space allocated. It’s important to realize that body language varies between genders and cultures. For example, men tend to stretch their arms and legs, and take up more physical space, while women take less space, and keep arms and legs tucked in. Cultural differences are apparent when examining Western and Eastern societies. In the West looking people in the eye is a sign of respect and engagement. In the East, however, it is considered rude, and the appropriate behavior is look down while speaking.

In conclusion, knowing and applying intricacies of NLP and body language significantly improves efficiency of the teams. Remembering to observe oneself and adjusting behavior can be a difficult task, but it is very rewarding to see the results. NLP uncovers the complexities of human perceptions, and provides a road-map to application of these perceptions to achieve desired goals. Body language adds flavor to speech, and helps bring charisma and likeability to individual presence.

References:
18 Ways To Improve Your Body Language
Available: http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2006/10/27/18-ways-to-improve-your-body-language/

Body Language
Available: http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/2052/bodylang.html

Brown, D. 2007. Tricks Of The Mind, Great Britain

Fabbri, J. M. Cultural Differences and Multinational Business Finance
Available: http://www.fabbri.com.bo/archivos/cultural.pdf

What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Available: http://www.neurolinguisticprogramming.com/