In my first podcast I interviewed Jacques Moolman who is an internationally accredited NLP Master Practitioner. That’s not his day job though, he’s also a project management expert with many years of corporate project experience. The real essence of the interview focuses on intersection between NLP and project management.
Here’s a quick precis (find the link to the sound clip below).
1. What is NLP and where does it come from?
NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. The Neuro relates to the mind. The Linguistic aspect relates to how we use language to communicate. The Programming part is the behavioural patterns that result from the interplay between the neurological processes (thoughts) and the linguistic map (words/meaning). NLP is how you use the language of the mind to consistently achieve specific and desired outcomes. NLP began in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who combined their capabilities and experience in linguistics, mathematics, and Gestalt therapy to develop a methodology that “models” the skills of exceptional people, allowing others to acquire those skills.
2. Why use NLP?
The philosophy of NLP works on the basic premise that people are not broken, rather they function perfectly. So if you learn how the people who do things successfully do them (what they think and do), you can transfer that model for success to someone else. If you learn to think the same way talented people think and you identify the things that make them successful, you can teach that to someone else and they can follow that model for their own success.
3. What’s your approach when using NLP?
Jacques applies the philosophy that people are capable. If you treat people as if they are capable that sets the foundation for them to be capable. One principle of NLP is that human behaviour is purposeful and people want to achieve a specific outcome, another is that all behaviour has a positive intention. The main principle that Jacques uses to guide his NLP approach is to recognise that the experience of a person is based on their version of reality which is based on their sensory filters, experiences and history. By using this approach and way of seeing his clients, Jacques seeks to clarify a person’s positive intention. He helps them understand how they do what they do in terms of unresourceful behaviour and figure out more effective ways to achieve their positive intentions in ways that will ensure that they successfully achieve their desired outcomes. Finally, Jacques believes that he must have authenticity at the core of his own being to practice NLP and he uses the techniques on himself.
4. How do you personally apply NLP in your daily life?
Jacques’ first experience with NLP was a positive one. In his early 20s, he went to see an NLP practitioner when he was experiencing difficulties and in the process it dawned on him that he could change the experience of his reality. Throughout the session the practitioner questioned his limiting beliefs. The practitioner recognised (based on the language Jacques used) his limiting beliefs and helped him identify alternative perspectives. NLP has changed the way Jacques speaks. For example instead of saying “you made me feel angry” instead he says “I feel angry about a,b,c”. He chooses how to feel about something and doesn’t allow others to choose this feeling for him. NLP gives Jacques the tools and mindset to enable him to practice mindfulness and to understand why he is feeling the way he does. If he finds that he is thinking something that results in him feeling discontent, he asks “what’s my positive intention with this?” and then identifies more effective alternatives.
5. How do you use NLP in your practice of project management?
When Jacques engages with anyone he uses NLP as his prime philosophy. As a project manager Jacques uses NLP techniques to deal with stakeholders. Jacques’ main ideal is to grow and build relationships with these stakeholders, be it the business, his team or suppliers. Jacques believes that by building rapport with his stakeholders and taking care of the relationship, the work will take care of itself. Jacques endeavours to create harmony, trust and collaboration with his peers and this rapport helps all the other aspects of the job fall into place. Jacques uses the NLP thinking techniques to guide him to clarify what needs to be done to proceed further with project tasks. Jacques is also effective at coaching the project managers that support him. One way he does this is by helping them to not feel overwhelmed. He admits that he himself sometimes feels overwhelmed and then uses the skills he has learned to calm down and be effective. He then in turn teaches what he knows to help them become more effective too.
Here’s the podcast.
A bit about Jacques Moolman
Jacques is tall and good looking, yes I know it sounds cliched but he really is. He is well groomed and well dressed and takes great care of his appearance. That’s on the outside. On the inside, he is calm and collected. He chooses his words very carefully, his entire demeanour is measured. He is the epitome of grace. But this is not why I admire him. He has a beautiful brain and he’s got a great sense of humour. It’s dry and sarcastic, and he will endeavour to understand how things work and then make a hilarious observation. He is warm and caring, a die hard vegetarian, and an advocate for environmental sustainability and animal welfare. He stands for what’s good in this world. He is adored by his wife Louise and his dog Pepper.
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