The Six Questions

Here are the six questions that one needs to ask to formulate a WFO (Well Formed Outcome):-

1) Positive - What do you want?

2) Sensory Specific - How will I recognize when you have this? How will you know when you have this?

3) Contextualized - Where and when do you want to have this resource? Where and when do you not want this resource?

4) Self Achievable

It is very important that the outcome must be within their own realm of influence i.e. is something over which the person has control.

What resources do you need to be able to achieve this?
What do you need to do to achieve this?
Is this something which you, yourself, can achieve? Or does it require that OTHER people behave in a certain way?

5) Ecological

The advantages and the disadvantages. There are always disadvantages in making a change - being alert to these keeps the person `at cause' by making it their choice.

What are the advantages of making this change?
What are the disadvantages of making this change?
What will achieving this lose you? Become?

6)Worthwhile

The motivation question: which of your values will be fulfilled by achieving this outcome?
What's important to you about getting this?
What will this outcome help you avoid feeling?
What is the benefit of this outcome?

The NLP method of refining goals or objectives using the WFO's process produces a more carefully refined and unambiguous objective. (The method is more accurately referred to as the Well-Formedness Conditions for an Outcome.) This looks similar to the popular business tool called SMART and I personally use a combination of both when setting my outcomes or goals.

Well Formed Outcomes - Part 2

What are they?

These are goals, objectives or targets which have been systematically refined so that they fulfil some criteria, well six of them. When our wants or dreams are refined using this process, they become more believable and realisable. This is why they are then described as being `well-formed' outcomes - they have fulfilled certain 'well-formedness conditions'. Use this process to clarify your own wants, goals more realistic and action-oriented - and to assist others in doing the same.

Why use this way of dealing with goals?

Going through the six questions creates a detailed internal representation in your mind - an important step in creating a belief in your objective.

The 6-step outcome process ensures you focus on what you DO want rather than on what you do NOT want. Outcomes directionalize or focusses a person’s thoughts and actions. It can be used for your goals, dreams, wants – use them and watch what happens. The six WFO questions distinguish between those factors which are relevant to getting what you want and those which are preventing you from attaining them.

Enhance rapport, coaching and performance

Using this process improves your rapport with other people.If you are working on a joint project, using the well-formed outcome process to match and align your objectives adds to the rapport already existing between you and when you use it to assist someone in clarifying what they want for themselves, they are likely to appreciate your concern and interest.

It provides a means of evaluating progress. Having a well-formed outcome makes it more likely that you will quickly recognize when you are thinking or acting in ways that are at variance with your well-formed outcome, giving you a signal to stop and re-evaluate your activities.

When used to clarify formal discussions work-related discussions or meetings, the outcome steps provide a framework that keeps discussions and activity on course.

How

While it may not be necessary to go through all of the questions for every objective, use your discretion and apply the questions that are appropriate at the time.

When using the questions with other people, first establish rapport and then either introduce the process formally or use the process in a conversational manner.

Well Formed Outcomes - Part 1

I was reading "Introduction to NLP" by Joseph O'Connor when I came across a passage on how to explain NLP in a three minute seminar. "NLP in three minutes?" was the thought that raced across my mind.

In that seminar , the speaker would say the following:

“Firstly, know what you want, have a clear idea of your outcome in any situation”

“Secondly, be alert and keep your senses open so that you notice what you are getting”

“Thirdly, have the flexibility to keep changing what you do until you get what you want”

And the speaker wrote on the whiteboard these words:

Outcome --> Acuity-->Flexibility
Game over. That really intrigued me. It prompted me to delve a little deeper into outcomes. What are outcomes? More in the next article.

How to be a GREAT life coach – a simple step by step approach

By Ir. Tejinder Singh

If you are a charismatic and energetic person who wishes to help clients reach their full potential, life coaching could be the right career choice.

1)Decide which area to specialize in. It could be financial matters, career, counseling or honing leadership abilities.

2)Attend a life coaching seminar to get an idea of how life coaching works. Pay close attention to how the life coach interacts with the crowd. This is fine.

3)However, I believe that having a deeper understanding of how the conscious and unconscious mind works is a very important requisite in order to be a GREAT life coach. One can gain such an understanding after attending a NLP (Neuro Linguistics Programming) Practitioner course.

There are many providers and I would suggest that one looks for providers that are affiliated with these two organizations:- The American Board of NLP (ABNLP) and the NLP University(NLPU)

4)Speak to the NLP trainer following the seminar. Ask advice on how to break into the field and other tips for succeeding in your career.

5)Sign up for a NLP Practitioner course and maybe even the NLP Master Practitioner course.

6)Networking is important. Find other people in your business that can advice you on how to attract clients

Remember, life coaching is a journey and not an end. The rewards are great.