There is magic in knowing, detecting, pacing, and using meta-programs. What is the magic? It is the magic of seeing the hidden structure in a person’s matrix of frames. It is the magic of being able to respond to that structure and to work with these hidden processes. It is the magic of obtaining insider knowledge of ourselves and others. When we can do that, then we can also experience the magic of being able to enter into another person’s Matrix of frames with ease and grace.1

Because meta-programs describe one of the hidden processes or dynamic structures in how we attend things, focus our perceptions and filter the lenses of our mental sight-detecting, recognizing and using meta-programs offers a yellow-brick road into human reality. Otherwise, people seem mysterious, strange, weird, unfathomable and stubborn. Knowing how to work with meta-programs enables us to create rapport at a higher or meta level, and to gain trust and credibility with more elegance and speed.

What is the magic of meta-programs?
How can we learn this magic and use it effectively and appropriately?

The Magic of Structure

While it may sound strange at first, it is structure that puts into our hands the power of what we would otherwise call “magic.” It is knowing and being able to work with the structure of electricity that enables us to command its power. It is the ability to recognize the structural form and processes of aerodynamics, physics, language, and a thousand other things that actually empowers us to take charge of these domains and put the principles of structure to new usages.

In terms of meta-programs, recognizing the inner hidden processes and dynamic structures behind our perceptual styles is what enables us to recognize them for what they are and to pace them. When I recognize that the person who makes life a living hell for me is just using the mis-matching meta-program, I can stop personalizing the problem and demonizing the person. Then I can even work with the mis-matching in a way that takes the bite out of it. I can ask and invite the person to mis-match and enjoy the person in spite of his or her verbal behavior.

Any meta-program that a person uses in a wrong context will work against the person or against being able to achieve some objective. When that happens it becomes unecological. The “magic” of transformation occurs when someone recognizes the structure involved and hones in on that leverage point of change. It is also the very flexibility of consciousness between the poles on any meta-program continuum that creates the magic of wholeness. By synthesizing both sides, we are empowered so that we can take our performances to the next level.

The Magic of Meta-Stating

Our meta-programs arise from the meta-stating process as noted in last months article. We meta-state our meta-programs into existence by bringing a state of “detail,” “matching,” “options” or whatever and applying it to our everyday states. Applying a style or way of thinking, perceiving, noticing, attending to ourselves and our states and doing so repeatedly and eventually this will lead to habituating that meta-state. Over time, the meta-state “gets into our eyes” as our perceptual glasses or meta-programs. Do that with matching or mis-matching and you will create one or the other as your meta-program. Do both in a balanced way, and you will have the ability to choose which meta-program to use at any given time.

This explains why there are, and can be, so many meta-programs. In the book Figuring Out People (1997), 51 meta-programs are identified to create an encyclopedia of meta-programs. Years before Wyatt Woodsmall had listed hundreds of possible meta-programs in a training manual. At that time 51 were the most crucial ones. In the newest edition of Figuring Out People some were dropped and some added into the new list of 60 meta-programs.*2

Is it important to have that many? Why bother with so many? Why an entire encyclopedia of meta-programs? Mostly because in different contexts, professions, domains whether it be coaching, therapy, management, intimate relationships, modeling, sports, wealth building, leadership, etc. different perceptual filters will be needed. The traditional NLP list of 14 meta-programs is nice, but quite inadequate as a description of the hidden structures governing the way people perceive in many arenas of life.

For the remainder of the article click here.