NLP at Work

The Meta model

Understanding and effectively utilising the Meta model can significantly enhance understanding, improve problem solving, enhance communication and feedback, resolve conflicts, and provide clearer thinking; leading to a more productive and effective workplace.

The Meta Model is a set of linguistic patterns designed to identify and challenge distortions, generalisations, and omissions (‘deletions’), especially in communication.

Important points are;

Challenging Generalisations

Universal Quantifiers: Words like “always,” “never,” “everyone,” “no one,” etc.

These often indicate overgeneralisations. Challenge them by asking for specific examples.

Example: If a trainee says, “I can never understand this material,” you might respond, “Never?

Can you think of a time when you understood at least part of it?”

Clarifying Deletions

Unspecified Nouns: Words that lack specificity, such as “they,” “it,” “people,” etc.

Ask for clarification to gain a clearer understanding.

Example: If someone says, “They don’t listen to me,” ask, “Who specifically doesn’t listen to you?”

Nominalisations: Verbs turned into nouns (e.g., “decision,” “communication”) that imply a static condition. Turn them back into processes to understand the dynamics involved.

Example: Instead of accepting “The decision was made,” you might ask, “Who decided and how was the decision made?”

Uncovering Distortions

Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking or feeling without evidence.

Challenge these assumptions by asking how they know.

Example: “She doesn’t like my ideas.” You could ask, “How do you know she doesn’t like your ideas? Did she say that?”

Cause and Effect: Statements implying one thing directly causes another without clear evidence.

Ask about the connection between the two.

Example: “If I fail this test, my career is over.” Ask, “How does failing this test affect your entire career?”

Exploring Lost Performative:

Value Judgments: Statements that convey an opinion as if it were a fact, often missing the person making the judgment.

Example: “This method is ineffective.” Ask, “According to whom?” or “Who says this method is ineffective?”

Restoring Deleted Information:

Comparative Deletions: Statements comparing two things without specifying the reference points.

Example: “This process is better.” Ask, “Better compared to what?”

Simple Deletions: When crucial information is left out.

Example: “I am upset.” Ask, “Upset about what specifically?”

Addressing Presuppositions:

Assumptions within Statements: Statements that assume certain things to be true, often embedded within questions or declarations.

Example: “Why is this so difficult for me?” Challenge the assumption by asking, “What makes you think it is difficult for you?”