Skills

Definition:

In NLP, skills refer to the mastery of a class of behaviors as well as the knowledge of how to do something. They encompass both cognitive and emotional processes and describe how people think, what strategies they apply, which meta-programs are active, and how they utilize their inner resources to achieve specific goals.

Skills form one of the logical levels in NLP and stand above the beliefs and values that influence them, but below the identity aspects that form the foundation of their development.

Origins and Theoretical Background

The concept of skills in NLP was developed by Robert Dilts as part of his model of logical levels. This model describes how different levels of human experience and behavior are interconnected.

Skills are considered dynamic and developable. NLP offers specific tools to enhance skills by modeling successful strategies or changing limiting patterns.

Application Examples

Therapy: Development of skills for emotional regulation, such as consciously recognizing and redirecting negative thoughts.
Coaching: Supporting clients in learning new communication or leadership skills.
Education: Teaching effective learning strategies based on individual thinking and behavior patterns.
Profession: Development of problem-solving and decision-making skills tailored to specific professional requirements.

Areas of Application

Personal Development: Building new skills to promote resilience, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence.
Communication: Improving skills in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Career: Development of leadership skills and productive work strategies.
Education: Supporting students in building effective learning and thinking patterns.

Methods and Exercises

Exercise 1: Modeling Skills

Choose a role model:
Identify a person who possesses the desired skill.
Observe and analyze:
Pay attention to what strategies, beliefs, and behaviors this person applies.
Try it yourself:
Transfer the observed patterns to your own behavior and adapt them to your needs.

Exercise 2: Chunking to Develop Skills

Break down the skill:
Identify the individual steps required for the desired skill.

Example: For 'effective presenting', the steps might be: clear structure, self-confidence, voice modulation, and body language.
Practice each step separately:
Focus on mastering each area before combining the overall skill.

Exercise 3: Adjusting Submodalities

Visualize the skill:
Imagine how you successfully perform the skill.
Change the submodalities:
Make the image brighter, larger, or more dynamic to enhance the feeling of success and control.

Synonyms

Competencies
Skills
Strategies

Related terms:

Logical Levels: Skills are part of the hierarchical model of human behavior.
Meta-Programs: Cognitive patterns that determine how skills are applied.
Representation Systems: Sensory channels used in the development and application of skills.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

Practical benefits:

Support in acquiring and improving skills through structured approaches.
Promoting adaptability and creativity in facing new challenges.
Helps to recognize and consciously utilize unconscious strengths.

Scientific benefits:

The concept of skills in NLP is linked to learning psychological models that show that skills can be developed and improved through targeted practice and conscious reflection. The approach is compatible with theories of self-efficacy and competence development.

Criticism or Limitations

Criticism: The model of logical levels and the assignment of skills is sometimes criticized as being too schematic or simplistic.
Limitations: The development of skills requires commitment and practice; short-term changes are often not sustainable.

Literature and References

Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications, Capitola.
Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1982). Reframing: Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Transformation of Meaning. Real People Press.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W H Freeman / Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.