The need for neuro-linguistic programming to develop greater construct validity

Abstract

AbstractThis paper tracks a practitioner’s journey through his attempts to understand the nature of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). It draws from the author’s self-study, being both a master NLP trainer and a chartered psychologist and also from the author’s own PhD research, (Grimley, 2016) which explicitly asked the question ‘What is NLP?’ The author discusses the importance of finding an answer to this question should NLP as a field, and its application to coaching specifically, wish to validate its modality. Taking from psychometric literature the idea of construct validity, the author concludes that NLP needs to develop a more well defined and standardised definition as well as a more well defined and standardised certificated training route to NLP practitioner before it can usefully answer the question does NLP coaching work in a predictive way? The paper acknowledges and signposts the reader to the important work currently undertaken by the NLP Leadership Summit in this respect. The style of this paper is oriented towards an Action Research paradigm where ‘reflection in action and reflection on that reflection in action’ (McNiff & Whitehead, 2000, p.2) is regarded as an appropriate research protocol to produce valid knowledge for consideration, especially when adopting an insider perspective as was recommended for research into NLP by Einspruch and Forman (1985).