NLP and Human Performance Technology

I'll try this from another angle.

I recently asked for NLP peer-reviewed articles and I've acquired a few that are mostly in the US and the articles are dated. In the UK and other foreign this isn't the case. I asked, and I'm still requesting, which non-US journals to look for--this makes the database search better.

I read through the previous posts on NLP that Michael Ellner kindly posted for my review. I am not impressed.

I will post my initial justification paper, and note I will change this considerably over the next few weeks. Any suggestions or opinions are greatly appreciated.

During my graduate training in training and performance improvement I will also work towards certification in ROI Methodology. Coaching and Consulting is about selling value to the client and were a natural extension of hypnosis and NLP, for me. I took the skills I learned in both hypnosis and NLP and extended them with my business owner clients and created real metrics.

So, in my thinking, if Human Performance Technology (HPT) isn't a "thing" but a mixture of "things" (approaches, attitudes, and modeling) how is NLP not a component of HPT? I've found several NLP websites claiming to be a human performance technology and I'm not trying to disprove those claims, I am trying to verify them by asking if they are connected to cybernetics and systems theory, or whatever.

I'll post my thesis topic and my lit review to argue for my thesis topic. This is all preliminary.

My thesis topic: "The discipline of NLP is often excluded from discussions of HPT. As this paper will demonstrate, this exclusion is an error on the part of [whomever is making the error]. The central focus of HPT is to assist clients and organizations in bridging gaps between current and desired levels of performance. NLP addresses these gaps by focusing on creating positive changes within the individual performer and thus fits squarely within the realm of HPT."

Identification of topic

The topic of this paper is: Neurolinguistics Programming belongs in the Human Performance Technology Model.

Justification for Choosing this Topic

An important missing element in the Human Performance Technology Model is the people side of performance (Gerson, 1999, p. 19). When trainers and consultants “consider the people side of performance improvement, you get the results you are looking for, and then some.” (Gerson, 1999, p. 19) Neurolinguistics Programming (NLP) is a human performance technology, focuses on self-actualization of the individual, and works with the individual’s model of reality to effect positive change in the individual.

NLP is the art and science of human excellence, “the new technology of achievement and the difference that makes a difference.” (Thompson, Courtney, & Dickson, 2002, p. 292). NLP is a “set of techniques for making changes and communication which works, usually quickly, and, at times, dramatically.” (Maron, 1979, p. 68) NLP is a powerful tool that “makes the beginning of real education, communication and change.” (Maron, 1979, p. 68) NLP “is concerned with the manner in which individuals take in and make sense of information.” ( Brockopp, 1983, p. 1012)

Human Performance Technology’s focus is on measurable positive change in the performance of an organization “by designing and developing effective interventions that are results-oriented, comprehensive, and systemic.” (Pershing, 2006, p. 6) This definition leaves out the people side of performance improvement, or the “messy middle (the thoughts, emotions and motivations) of the performer.” (Gerson, 2006, p.16) When trainers and consultants “consider the people side of performance improvement, you get the results you are looking for, and then some.” (Gerson, 1999, p. 19)

The Human Performance Technology’s fundamental focus “is valued accomplishment, meaning verifiable results that far exceed their costs.” (Pershing, 2006, p. xvi) NLP harnesses and enhances the effectiveness in helping clients by discovering the mental map, or internal representation of the world of the individual. (Heap, 1988, p. 268) Our internal representations (mental maps) “we create may be limited in many ways, impoverished, distorted and inflexible.” (Heap, 1988. p. 268) These limitations lead to restricted choices leaving the individual frustrated and making the personal feel communication and relations will be difficult. (Heap, 1988, p. 268) NLP is a technology to assist individuals to overcome these restrictions and provide them with more choices.

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Permalink Reply by Don on February 12, 2012 at 8:39am

Hi Lorrie,

If you have created real metrics from your study of NLP and human performance technology, then you have a great opportunity to conduct a study instead of merely writing a theoretical paper. This creates a multiplier effect that can kick-start your career, as well as filling a gap in the existing knowledge base of the area you are interested in.

If I may use a personal example to illustrate my point, when I completed my Master's thesis, I noticed a call for papers in the newsletter of the California Psychological Association. A hundred-word abstract was all that they wanted. "Oh, well, I can write a hundred words about it," I thought to myself. So I sent it in, and to my surprise it was accepted. "OMG! Now I've got to go present!" I thought.

It was a surprise to my advisor, too. "Are you interested in going to conventions?" he asked. I forget what I said in response, but later I learned that I was the only one in my class to have submitted a proposal for presentation at a professional conference.

I was scared to death, but -- sensing this, I'm sure -- he invited me to ride in to the convention with him. I was still so scared by the time we got there that I didn't think I could go through with it, but I became numb enough to make my way to the podium. After a few minutes, i got interested in what I was saying, and as long as I forgot about myself I was able to talk freely. Then, having written a paper to present, it wasn't hard to modify it for journal publication, and I was hooked. As the only graduate student in my class who had ever published a paper, it gave me an edge which made it easier for me to get an academic position upon graduation.

So, if you can see your way to turning your thesis proposal into an experiment instead of merely a theoretical paper, you can wind up way ahead of the game as well as becoming a pioneer in the topic. And don't let the natural shyness that all graduate students feel stand in your way.

Carpe diem. (And if you are a graduate student, carpe it all the more!)

Best wishes for your future success.

Don

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Permalink Reply by Lorrie Hale-Ozbey on February 12, 2012 at 9:18am

Hello Don,

I'm a bit seasoned as a grad student, just switching gears. I have a published article in the Journal of Medical Primatology and I presented my research, not at a professional conference, but a conference of a sorts attended only by other grad students (mostly medical and psychology doctorate students). My previous research and studies focused in statistical genetics, biological anthropology, primatology, and aging.

Also, I'm not so certain that I can consider my metrics as scholarly work. If my client identifies a problem (like debt, frivolous lawsuits, employee performance issues, and revenue issues) and those issues are eliminated and improved as a result of my services then I say we can measure success. I sell value as a coach, consultant and trainer and ROI's are metrics for my services. I haven't even begun the certification in ROI Methodology so I'm uncertain what I can and cannot say, academically speaking.

The program I'm in is applied, not basic. We are being trained as practitioners in training and performance improvement (TPI). I don't anticipate participating to develop scholarly work until I enter the doctoral program. Who knows. I am looking for evidence in the literature that NLP should be considered, or is, part of the human performance technology (HPT) model since HPT is considered one of the foundational theories and models for TPI.

I have found more than 20 articles on NLP, some dated, some not. It is scarce pickings for more recent literature reviews and research. I will be reading them to determine if I can apply the information to my thesis topic.

Don said:

Hi Lorrie,

If you have created real metrics from your study of NLP and human performance technology, then you have a great opportunity to conduct a study instead of merely writing a theoretical paper. This creates a multiplier effect that can kick-start your career, as well as filling a gap in the existing knowledge base of the area you are interested in.

If I may use a personal example to illustrate my point, when I completed my Master's thesis, I noticed a call for papers in the newsletter of the California Psychological Association. A hundred-word abstract was all that they wanted. "Oh, well, I can write a hundred words about it," I thought to myself. So I sent it in, and to my surprise it was accepted. "OMG! Now I've got to go present!" I thought.

It was a surprise to my advisor, too. "Are you interested in going to conventions?" he asked. I forget what I said in response, but later I learned that I was the only one in my class to have submitted a proposal for presentation at a professional conference.

I was scared to death, but -- sensing this, I'm sure -- he invited me to ride in to the convention with him. I was still so scared by the time we got there that I didn't think I could go through with it, but I became numb enough to make my way to the podium. After a few minutes, i got interested in what I was saying, and as long as I forgot about myself I was able to talk freely. Then, having written a paper to present, it wasn't hard to modify it for journal publication, and I was hooked. As the only graduate student in my class who had ever published a paper, it gave me an edge which made it easier for me to get an academic position upon graduation.

So, if you can see your way to turning your thesis proposal into an experiment instead of merely a theoretical paper, you can wind up way ahead of the game as well as becoming a pioneer in the topic. And don't let the natural shyness that all graduate students feel stand in your way.

Carpe diem. (And if you are a graduate student, carpe it all the more!)

Best wishes for your future success.

Don

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Permalink Reply by Don on February 13, 2012 at 12:12am

Hello Lorrie,

Sorry, I assumed from your picture that you were an unseasoned graduate student. Since I did not learn to spell in a bowl of alphabet soup, your abbreviations are a mystery to me. But your alphabet soup obviously comes with a lot of seasoning!

In any event, if you're planning to enter the doctoral program later on, as you indicate, perhaps the information will come in handy some day. Otherwise, perhaps another reader might find it helpful.

Don

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Permalink Reply by Lorrie Hale-Ozbey on February 13, 2012 at 7:11am

Hi Don,

I enjoyed your story about getting your proposal accepted. One of my cohorts in my 3rd grad program was to present her research at a major conference. She practiced in front of class the day before the conference and her 20 minute presentation was complete in 5. My mentor/advisor asked all of her grad students to go to the conference in support so we did. I had the opportunity to help my cohort using hypnosis and anchors. She did her presentation in exactly 20 minutes. It was at that point I knew that I wanted to start my own practice, and I did at the end of that semester in 2010. Your story reminded me of this...good times.

I apologize for any confusion on my acronyms: HPT - Human Performance Technology and ROI - Return On Investment.

I'm uncertain what you meant by my pic and not looking like something. Not certain how you intended me to take that. I suppose I am a rogue, a non-conformist, and a rule-bender. I'm also a bad-anthropologist. Inside joke, what I mean by that is I say all the things I'm not supposed to say and I believe in things that go counter to what most anthropologists believe so I am a bad anthropologist.

I do appreciate you sharing your experiences and the encouragement to pioneer ahead.

Thank you,

Lorrie

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Permalink Reply by Don on February 13, 2012 at 12:34pm

Hi Lorrie,

I just assumed from your picture that you were very young. (Perhaps when you're 70 yourself, you will look like the 70 year old that you posted about who looked like she was 20.)

Lorrie Hale-Ozbey said:

Hi Don,

I enjoyed your story about getting your proposal accepted. One of my cohorts in my 3rd grad program was to present her research at a major conference. She practiced in front of class the day before the conference and her 20 minute presentation was complete in 5. My mentor/advisor asked all of her grad students to go to the conference in support so we did. I had the opportunity to help my cohort using hypnosis and anchors. She did her presentation in exactly 20 minutes. It was at that point I knew that I wanted to start my own practice, and I did at the end of that semester in 2010. Your story reminded me of this...good times.

I apologize for any confusion on my acronyms: HPT - Human Performance Technology and ROI - Return On Investment.

I'm uncertain what you meant by my pic and not looking like something. Not certain how you intended me to take that. I suppose I am a rogue, a non-conformist, and a rule-bender. I'm also a bad-anthropologist. Inside joke, what I mean by that is I say all the things I'm not supposed to say and I believe in things that go counter to what most anthropologists believe so I am a bad anthropologist.

I do appreciate you sharing your experiences and the encouragement to pioneer ahead.

Thank you,

Lorrie

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Permalink Reply by Lorrie Hale-Ozbey on February 13, 2012 at 5:29pm

Don, yes perhaps, indeed. I'm 43, but I forget that all the time. I am 24 in my mind.

Don said:

Hi Lorrie,

I just assumed from your picture that you were very young. (Perhaps when you're 70 yourself, you will look like the 70 year old that you posted about who looked like she was 20.)

Lorrie Hale-Ozbey said:

Hi Don,

I enjoyed your story about getting your proposal accepted. One of my cohorts in my 3rd grad program was to present her research at a major conference. She practiced in front of class the day before the conference and her 20 minute presentation was complete in 5. My mentor/advisor asked all of her grad students to go to the conference in support so we did. I had the opportunity to help my cohort using hypnosis and anchors. She did her presentation in exactly 20 minutes. It was at that point I knew that I wanted to start my own practice, and I did at the end of that semester in 2010. Your story reminded me of this...good times.

I apologize for any confusion on my acronyms: HPT - Human Performance Technology and ROI - Return On Investment.

I'm uncertain what you meant by my pic and not looking like something. Not certain how you intended me to take that. I suppose I am a rogue, a non-conformist, and a rule-bender. I'm also a bad-anthropologist. Inside joke, what I mean by that is I say all the things I'm not supposed to say and I believe in things that go counter to what most anthropologists believe so I am a bad anthropologist.

I do appreciate you sharing your experiences and the encouragement to pioneer ahead.

Thank you,

Lorrie