Meta-programs

Meta-programs are core traits that determine how someone is likely to approach or respond to a situation. The term comes from NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP), which describes these traits as â??metaâ?? or over everything else, like programs we run continually in background mode to guide our behaviour. Over 50 meta-programs have been identified â?? here we describe seven of the most useful to be aware of. (For further reading; â??Figuring out peopleâ?? by Bodenhammer & Hall.)

The reason why meta-programs are so important is that they are running in the background without us consciously being aware. It is possible for a meta-program to change where the desire to want to change, and the knowledge of how to change is evident in an individual, and where the environment is supportive. Meta-programs are also context specific.

The table below describes the meta-program and the two ends of the spectrum in how people can think and behave. Many people will be somewhere along the scale rather than at the extremes.

Meta-program
Motivational direction	Moving away from Avoid, get rid of, steer clear	Move towards Move towards, what I want, what I like
Procedures/Options	Procedures Need, obligation, procedures, rules	Options Choices, opportunities, possibilities
Response	Feeling Emotional, passionate, involved	Thinking Clear thinking, cool headed, detached
Doing/considering	Doing Act now, initiate	Considering Reflect, wait, analyse
Chunk Size	Specifics Smaller, specific, definite steps	Generalities Larger, overall concepts, big picture
Frame of reference	Internal Own criteria, own evaluations, internal judgments	External Other peopleâ??s views, outside evaluation, external approval
Working proximity	Independent Alone, sole responsibility, needs little contact	Co-operative Needs contact, shared responsibility, team work

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