The theory behind NLP is that our communication is affected by our mental “filters”. These filters are the reason why we delete, distort and generalize things.
NLP Meta Programs are one example of mental filters. We tend to have certain personality preferences. NLP Meta Programs are closely associated with several personality traits like the introvert and extrovert dimension in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
However, from the NLP perspective, meta programs go beyond personality. Thought it is the fabric of our behavior, it is likely that meta program preferences can change, unlike regular “personality” traits. In other words, if we want to be a leader, we can model after the leadership meta programs — the traits that make a person a leader.
Here are some of the Meta Programs that are commonly known
- Toward — Away From
- Introvert — Extrovert
- Low Chunk — High Chunk
- Logic — Feeling
- Visual — Auditory — Kinesthetic — Digital
- Internal — External
- Convincer Filter: Once, Three Times, All the Time
- Match — Mismatch
- Optimist — Pessimist
- Foreground — Background
So, while these meta programs are not exhaustive (yet), they also contain a high level of structure that can be used for a variety of things such as changing preferred actions. For instance, someone who always gets into trouble because he is a “mismatcher” can be shifted into a “matcher” mode to appear to be less of a trouble maker. Each of these outlines a process. If I have a strategy to “match” I can learn the strategy to “mismatch”.
We can discuss the idea of meta programs and their implications in relation to strategies and submodalities.
Any questions? Just drop them in the comments box below!
