Application of NLP Perceptual Positions in Coaching Conversations

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Application of NLP Perceptual Positions in Coaching Conversations
Application of NLP Perceptual Positions in Coaching Conversations

Jennifer

NLP Practitioner, International Professional PCC in training, Akashic Reader, mind-body-spirit enthusiast, enjoys self-exploration, awakening life potential

Application of NLP Perceptual Positions in Coaching Conversations
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) perceptual positions (Perceptual Positions) concept was originally developed by John Grinder and Judith Delozier in 1987, based on early references in NLP and Gergory Bateson‘s concepts of dual and triple descriptions.
Later, Robert Dilts and Todd Epstein further distinguished the third position, meta position, observer position, partner position, and the fourth position (or system position).
Perceptual positions essentially refer to a person’s perspective or viewpoint in understanding a situation or relationship.
Perceptual positions include the following main perspectives:
  • First Position: Self Perspective, which means looking at things from one’s own standpoint.
  • Second Position: Other Perspective, which means viewing things from another person’s standpoint.
  • Third Position: Neutral Perspective, which means observing interactions from the observer’s angle.
  • Fourth Position: System Perspective, which means viewing things from the whole system or relational domain.
These perspectives help individuals understand and analyze communication content from different angles, enhancing empathy and insight.
In coaching conversations, the concept of NLP perceptual positions is sometimes extended to seven positions, including self, other, neutral (camera position), within the system (such as team or family members), outside the system (people outside the team or family), past, and future. This extended application helps clients gain deeper insights into their issues and obtain new perspectives, thereby facilitating personal growth and problem-solving.
For example, when dealing with conflicts in teamwork, coaches can support clients in using the following seven positions to broaden their perspectives instead of merely focusing on their own viewpoints.
  • Self Position: Ask the client “What is the current situation? What are your feelings? What are your true needs?”
  • Other Position: Invite the client to think from the other person’s perspective, for example, “If you were your colleague ***, how would you view this matter? What are your feelings? What are your inner needs?”
  • Neutral Position: Invite the client to adopt a neutral position and ask, “If there were a camera recording your interaction, what would you see? What would you feel? What insights would you gain?”
  • Within System Position: Ask the client “How do other colleagues in the team view this matter? What is the impact of this matter on the team? If you were the company owner, how would you see it?”
  • Outside System Position: Explore perspectives outside the team, “How do you think colleagues outside your team view this conflict? What might clients think?”
  • Past Position: Review past experiences, “What past experiences can help you resolve this issue?”
  • Future Position: Look ahead, “How will you view this matter in a year? What advice would you give to your current self? In the long run, what does this matter remind you to learn?”
By applying these positions, coaches can help clients view problems from multiple angles, enhancing self-awareness, cultivating empathy, and analyzing and solving problems more objectively.
This method not only helps clients effectively resolve current issues but also enhances their ability to handle complex situations in the future, ultimately achieving comprehensive personal and professional development. Therefore, the flexible application of perceptual positions is an indispensable part of coaching conversations.
Author: Jennifer

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Learning to coach is a process that supports both self-growth and helping others.
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Application of NLP Perceptual Positions in Coaching Conversations

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