Presuppositions of NLP

In NLP, some useful presuppositions have been formulated. These are not objective facts, but they facilitate communication with others and improve one's own life.

1. The map is not the territory

We all have different perceptions of the world. None of these perceptions fully and accurately represent the world. People react to their representation of reality, not to reality itself.

2. People make the best choice available to them subjectively within their model of the world

If people had other and more appropriate options for fulfilling their needs, they would not do much of what sometimes seems to happen out of pure malice.

3. Behind every problematic behavior or symptom lies a positive intention

Every behavior serves a positive function in the life of the individual, regardless of possible negative side effects.

4. For every behavior, there is a context in which it can be meaningful or useful

Learned is learned – this behavior has at some point led to the desired success. The goal is to develop more options in addition to this behavior.

5. People already have all the resources for any desired change within themselves

The goal of NLP is to have these resources available at the right moment and to use them in an optimal way.

6. In communication, there are no mistakes, only feedback from which we can learn

Every reaction and every outcome can be used as feedback and as an opportunity to learn. As feedback, they provide important clues about whether a solution path is suitable or not, and invite the search for new ways.

7. The meaning of communication lies in the response one receives

One communicates to receive a desired response from the other person. If this does not happen, then the own message has not been received. Instead of reacting negatively, it is sensible to change one's own behavior.

8. If something doesn't work, do something else

If we are flexible, we can view every reaction as a result and thus as valuable information.

9. Resistance from the customer or client indicates a lack of flexibility on the part of the consultant

Resistance does not result from malice of the other person, but is an indication of a lack of rapport, which can be resolved by re-establishing rapport.

10. There are no right or wrong models of the world

Everyone sees the world through a different lens.