How to make intimate connections with yourself and others.
Neuro-Logical Levels are considered to be a Meta-Program in NLP. Specifically, these neuro-logical levels are categories of experience. In integral terms, I would consider them to be a typology that has a built-in hierarchy. They are not stages or levels that must sequentially arise. However, they do seem to be a holarchy. You could also consider the neuro-logical levels to be lines of development. NLP is a mess in its organization of principles. That’s why I just consider NLP to be a powerful set of tools for creating change.
If you’re doing change work with someone or with yourself, the neuro-logical levels are very useful. You can identify in what “level” a challenge is centered and then use the appropriate NLP intervention. They also make a good check list to go through as you’re doing any kind of life planning or if you need some motivation.
Neuro-Logical Levels
- Ecology: Who else?
My relationship to the Universe and what’s outside me. - Identity: Who?
What kind of person I am. - Beliefs: Why?
My values, criteria, generalizations about the world and other people. What’s important to me. - Capabilities: How?
My generic skills, strategies, physiological abilities. - Behavior: What?
What I do in any particular context. - Environment: Where and When?
The context in which I operate.
Neuro-logical levels in an organization:
- Ecology = Vision
Change the world. - Identity = Mission
I’m a change agent. - Beliefs = Permission, Motivation
Change is desirable. - Capabilities = Direction
Change processes. - Specific Behaviors = Action
A specific change process. - Environment = Reactions
Culture. Responses to change.
Next time you are listening to someone speak, notice what level they are coming from. A statement like, “I’m the kind of person who…” is coming from the level of Identity. If someone is telling you their opinions about a subject, they are coming from the level of Belief. You get the idea.
When you want to connect with someone, speaking their language is often a matter of speaking their level.