The NLP mentor technique – Learning from the wisdom of the greats

In this inspiring podcast episode, we talk Stefan and Marian about one of the most fascinating NLP techniques ever: the mentor technique. It is about gaining access to inner resources and deep knowledge – by stepping into the role of your greatest role models. Whether Mahatma Gandhi, Elon Musk, or Pippi Longstocking – every mentor carries an energy that you can use to gain courage, clarity, and new perspectives.

The idea of the mentor technique

The NLP mentor technique is based on a simple but powerful idea: “Act as if.” Imagine you had the wisdom of Gandhi, the innovative power of Elon Musk, or the courage of Pippi Longstocking. What would you see, feel, or do differently? By putting yourself in another personality, you open up access to abilities and perspectives within yourself that you have previously left untapped. Because everything you admire in others also exists within you – often just hidden or forgotten.

How to choose your mentor

Choosing your mentor is the first crucial step. You can orient yourself towards real people, historical figures, or even fictional characters. What matters is not whether they are real or 'perfect', but what energy and attitude they embody for you. Your mentor can be:

• a historical figure (e.g. Mahatma Gandhi for inner strength and peace)
• an entrepreneur figure like Elon Musk for vision and willingness to take risks
• a fictional character like Pippi Longstocking for creativity and courage
• an animal or archetype (e.g. the eagle for foresight, the bear for strength)
• a person from your environment, such as a parent or colleague who inspires you

Sometimes the mentor is also a combination of several. Many choose three mentors to unite different perspectives – e.g. head (wisdom), heart (compassion), and hand (action).

How the mentor technique works step by step

The technique can be performed alone or with a coach. It uses typical NLP elements such as dissociation, ground anchors and resource activation.Here’s how to proceed:

1. Place three notes with the names of your mentors in the room. Additionally, mark your own place (‘I’).
2. Formulate your concern: a question, a problem, or a goal, e.g. 'How can I appear more courageous?'
3. Go to the place of your first mentor. Breathe deeply, adopt their body posture, gaze, and energy. Say aloud: 'I am [Name].'
4. Describe how this mentor thinks about your topic. What would they advise you? What attitude would they convey to you?
5. Return to your place and accept the message. Feel how it works within you.
6. Repeat the process with the other mentors. Each brings a different facet.

At the end, you can thank them and integrate all the voices within you. Optionally, you can add a symbolic gesture – such as a gift that the mentor gives you. This image will later serve as an inner anchor.

Why the technique works scientifically

Studies show: Just the thought of being an admired person can measurably increase cognitive performance. In experiments, students performed better when they imagined themselves in the role of Albert Einstein . This shows that our brain – especially through mirror neurons – takes the perspective shift seriously. In NLP, this effect is amplified because you not only think but also feel, speak and act like the mentor. This activates additional neural networks – the access to your inner wisdom becomes real.

Examples from practice and everyday life

The mentor technique is suitable for almost all areas of life:

• Business & Career: “Should I become self-employed?” – Here, figures like Elon Musk or an entrepreneur can help you develop courage and foresight.
• Relationship & Family: Gandhi or a loving family member can remind you of patience and compassion.
• Health & Sports: Arnold Schwarzenegger or a sporty archetype can impart discipline and self-confidence.
• Personal Development: Osho or Nelson Mandela can inspire you to inner freedom and forgiveness.

One participant reported that he had positioned himself as a mentor – with astonishing success. He asked himself the question: "What would Stefan Landsiedel advise me right now?" and found in this attitude all the answers he had been looking for. This shows: We all already carry the knowledge of our mentors within us.

Gifts and symbols of the mentors

At the end of the process, the mentor often presents a symbolic gift. This can be a feather, a crown, a light, or a stone – something that carries a message. You can realize this image by printing, buying, or drawing the object. This way you have a visible anchors, that reminds you at any time of your mentor's message.

Historical references and modern variants

Even in ancient cultures, there were forms of mentoring techniques. Shamans spoke with their power animals, philosophers like Napoleon Hill described mental 'masterminds' where they consulted famous personalities in spirit. Modern companies also use this idea: At Amazon, there is an 'empty chair' in the conference room – as a symbol for the voice of the customer. This perspective sustainably changes decisions.

Conclusion: The power of inner role models

The NLP mentoring technique is much more than an exercise – it is a gateway to inner wisdom, creativity, and courage. It helps you find answers that you have long carried within you but have not heard until now. By connecting with the greatest mentors of your imagination, you open yourself to new possibilities and allow yourself to be inspired to live your best version.

Give it a try: Choose your mentors, position yourself in their places, listen to their messages – and feel how their energy strengthens you. If you want to dive deeper, you will find on the World of NLP platform videos, guides, and live demonstrations of this technique.