Neuro-Linguistic Programming and The Scout Mindset

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and the Scout Mindset are both approaches to understanding and improving human thought, behaviour, and decision-making, but they come from different origins and philosophies.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

NLP is a psychological approach that seeks to understand and modify how individuals perceive, think, and behave. Developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder and is based on the idea that there is a strong connection between neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic), and behavioural patterns learned through experience (programming). NLP involves techniques aimed at improving communication, problem-solving, and personal development. Some of its key concepts include:

1. Modelling excellence: Studying successful people’s mental strategies and applying them to improve performance.
2. Reframing: Changing the way, one perceives a situation to alter emotional or behavioural response. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”.
3. Anchoring: Using external stimuli (like sounds or touch) to trigger positive emotional states.
4. Rapport Building: Subtly mirroring another person’s body language to build rapport and improve communication.

NLP is being used in many areas including therapy, coaching, business, and personal development.

The Scout Mindset

The Scout Mindset, a term popularised by Julia Galef in her book The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t (2021), refers to an attitude or approach to thinking that prioritises objective truth and intellectual honesty. The mindset contrasts with the Soldier Mindset, which is more about defending one's existing beliefs and perspectives, even in the face of contradictory evidence.

The Scout Mindset emphasises:

1. Curiosity: A willingness to explore new ideas, information, and perspectives without defensiveness.
2. Open-mindedness: Actively seeking and considering evidence that might disprove or challenge one's beliefs.
3. Accuracy: Striving to update beliefs based on the best available evidence rather than emotions or biases.
4. Humility: Recognising that one can be wrong and learning from mistakes or new information.

This mindset is useful for improving decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution because it encourages clear thinking and self-awareness. It is particularly relevant in areas like science, politics, and personal development, where accuracy is crucial for making good judgments.

Comparison:

• NLP often focuses on practical techniques to influence thoughts and behaviours for achieving specific goals. It accepts that reality is a subjective experience for example “it is not the thing that is stressful but your response to it”.
• Scout Mindset is about embracing intellectual honesty and humility, focusing on understanding reality as accurately as possible, without being attached to specific outcomes or beliefs.

While both can be applied for personal growth, some say they take different routes: NLP is more about transforming subjective experiences, while the Scout Mindset can be seen as emphasising truth-seeking and rationality.

If you’re interested in finding out more, and even training in NLP, please do contact me.

Mark.peters@balancedapproach.co.uk

Mob/whatsapp: +44 (0)7831 743737

Web: https://www.balancedapproach.co.uk

 

Mark Peters is one of a small number of people who have earned the title of Master Trainer for the Society of NLP. As of November 2023 he is an owner of the Society of NLP.