“Leadership & Neuro Linguistic Programming” for Physiotherapists; an Introduction

Keri BarsbySecretary & Alternate Council Member; East Midlands NetworkDeputy Head of Therapy ServicesNottingham University Hospitals NHS TrustKeri.barsby@nuh.nhs.uk

Aims & Objectives:

1. To have an overview of what NLP is

2. To have acquired some NLP skills/knowledge that will enhance your performance as a leader back in your work place

The science bit.....

NLP = NEURO LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING

NEURO: the study of the mind & brain – in particular how we think about things & how we process information

NLP = Neuro Linguistic Programming

LINGUISTIC: language skills – how we use language to communicate & how other people’s use of language affects us

NLP = Neuro Linguistic Programming

PROGRAMMING: how we plan to react (not always consciously) – how we organise and store our ideas and actions

What is Leadership?

The LQF Model:

So, if I we say that:

NLP Is at the heart of leadership excellence

It is a method of personal development - a tool for improving your own and others' performance

Is very relevant in the current NHS environment of fast moving changes; increasing complexity and ongoing uncertainties

Then consider these 2 scenarios:

Scenario 1

P1: “So, as I said, I’m thinking of moving to the hospital in the neighbouring Trust up the road. Do you know it?

P2: “I do”

P1: “Can you tell me what it’s like?”

P2: “Well, I can, but first tell me, what’s the hospital that you’re thinking of leaving like?”

Scenario 1 cont....

P1: “Not very nice; the staff aren’t friendly; I’m not at all supported and I don’t seem to fit in”

P2: “You’ll find the hospital in the neighbouring Trust very similar”

The fun bit – part 2....

Scenario 2

P3: “So, as I said, I’m thinking of moving to the hospital in the neighbouring Trust up the road. Do you know it?

P2: “I do”

P3: “Can you tell me what it’s like?”

P2: “Well, I can, but first tell me, what’s the hospital that you’re thinking of leaving like?”

Scenario 2 cont...

P3: “Oh, it’s great! I get on really well with the staff; I’m challenged & have learnt a great deal”

P2: “You’ll find the hospital in the neighbouring Trust very similar”

So, what just happened here?

What does this mean?

It means that NLP is focussed on “SELF”

It means that every journey starts with “YOU”

Through “INTERNAL” changes we see “EXTERNAL” changes in behaviour and our impact on others

Why?

To be able to respond to change, yet have the expertise to retain what works well

Because you need advanced communication skills:

o To ensure patients are comfortable, informed & that they are active care partners not passive recipients of care

o To liaise with other HCP’s who may be facing the same or different changes

o To be able make sense of your own values, beliefs, feelings & reactions – to truly reflect on your practice

How?

NLP has many tools that can be utilised

by yourself for yourself

by you with others such as when assessing patients or when leading a supervision session.

One such tool is the “Wheel of Life”

Finding Balance:

Would your wheel turn smoothly? Why not? 6 step change process:

Information gathering Select area(s) for change Decide on the possibilities i.e. what will be best use

of my skills/experience? What can I delegate? Develop your plan/establish goals Action your plan Monitor your progress

Finally, remember...

Taking the first step is what’s really important.

By taking the first step you realise the variety of paths ahead from which you could choose.

Bibliography/recommended reading:

www.nlp-now.co.uk www.mindtools.com www.purenlp.com NLP & Coaching for Healthcare Professionals

– Developing Expert Practice, Suzanne Henwood & Jim Lister

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey

Principle Centred Leadership, Steven Covey