Meta-Programs Identification

"As a leader ... I have always endeavored to listen to what each and every person in a discussion had to say before venturing my own opinion. Oftentimes, my own opinion will simply represent a consensus of what I heard in the discussion. I always remember the axiom: a leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, where upon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind" - Nelson Mandela

CREDITS FOR THE CREATION of this NLP pattern belong to various contributors.

This pattern makes you into a more effective communicator by helping your pace the meta-programs of another person. This is very important in sales, leadership, and coaching, as a rapport-building skill that improves your perception and understanding.

Overview: The Meta-Program Identification Pattern
Step #1: Assess the person's meta-program use
Step #2: Communicate with their style of meta-program use
Step #3: Transcend the limitations of your own meta-program style.
Step #4: TEST!

Step # 1. Assess the person's meta-program use.
Analyze the other person's communication in terms of the metaprograms that they are using. See the appendix on meta-programs as needed.

Step #2. Communicate with their style of meta-program use.
Use the same meta-programs as your person as you communicate with them.

Step #3. Transcend the limitations of your own meta-program style.
Take note of any ways that your own driver meta-programs may be causing you to miss anything about your person's use of meta-programs.

Expand your communications with them as insights emerge.

Step #4. Test.
Notice any ways that using their meta-programs improves your rapport with them, including your ability to empathize with them or understand their perspective, motives and thinking.

(Page 382 of "The Big Book Of NLP")