NLP Podcast 68: Modelling as a Turbo for Personal Development - with Ralf Stumpf

In this 3rd episode, Ralf Stumpf talks about why modelling is a turbo for personal development. Ralf Stumpf started with NLP in 1986 to learn modelling – unfortunately, he did not learn how modelling works and is applied in his NLP trainings. Therefore, Ralf Stumpf spent years studying the topic of modelling himself and developed into the leading modelling expert in the German-speaking world. He is an NLP trainer according to DVNLP and leads our NLP location in Berlin

Fundamentals of Modelling

Modelling is about discovering the differences between a model and a comparison person. This is also the reason why only one single person can never be modelled. A person can only be modelled when compared to a second person. In the next step, the points in which these two people differ are worked out – commonalities are not modelled. In NLP, the NLP practitioner supports their clients in their change process, meaning that the client changes and the NLP practitioner does not change. In modelling, it is exactly the opposite: A modelling expert models a person by comparing them with another person and thus changes themselves. The modelled persons, on the other hand, do not change. "The kick in the modelling conversation is that you communicate in such a way that your conversation partner does not change," explains Ralf Stumpf. Because only then is it possible for you to find out what strategies are hidden behind your conversation partner. If your conversation partner pretends or even adapts to you, you can take very little or nothing at all from the modelling conversation. In contrast to a classic NLP setting, it is even more important that your conversation partner does not change at all and that you simultaneously develop yourself.

Modelling as a Turbo for Personal Development

Modelling is the turbo for your personal exercise, as you always try to find out what distinguishes you from a person who is in the state you desire. For example, if you want to be better off financially, then model Bill Gates and compare him with yourself. In your modelling conversation with Bill Gates, you ensure that Bill Gates does not adapt to you and look for the things that distinguish you from him regarding your behavior with money. Ideally, after this conversation, you can change in such a way that your financial situation improves – Bill Gates does not have to change for that, only you yourself! In the complete podcast episode, Ralf gives you a small exercise to discover new approaches for your own personal development. It's worth listening!