Seizing the day, the NLP way

Any individual who has managed people would readily admit that one of his greatest challenges, even fears, would be whether one has succeeded in being instrumental in making those who are being managed fulfill their greatest and utmost potential. It’s easy enough to let them recognize what their deliverables are, what the job consists of, and even guide them and exhort them  but as to whether what we wish to impart has sunk in, and whether they, of their own volition, can truly harness their abilities and produce their utmost, is far from a guarantee. Over the decades, various theories on management have come up; and if there are a handful that have lasted through the years, one such globally accepted management concept would be Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as championed by the likes of Tony Robbins. So when I heard that one Ben Ampil had travelled all the way to Colorado, and is now one of three certified Filipinos who can give talks and seminars on NLP, I was curious to get an overview of what he had to offer.

Ben’s outfit is Amplius Management Consultancy, and the likes of the Convergys HR operations, and business units of BDO, would readily recommend Ben’s program. Stated simply, NLP is, as its name suggests, about recognizing and maximizing our capabilities in three areas: Neuro refers to how we think, our five senses as used for understanding the world and our experiences, while Linguistic is how we talk to ourselves and others, using language to influence our circumstances, and Programming is how we behave, organize ideas and actions, which then produce results, expected and the unexpected. Utilizing what has been amassed in both behavioral and physiological sciences, NLP then marks Submodalities in the three major areas, and systematically attempts to turn them into “tools,” serving as a catalyst to help us “live our best lives.”

And when Ben asked me the simple question of how I would spatially position my past, I readily said “behind me.” He then explained how others would place the past, present and future in a line positioned in front of them. There was no right or wrong answer, but Ben proceeded to explain how the reply to his question could help us understand what kind of person we were talking to in terms of how one organizes his life, and what weight one puts on the past, etc.

Three novels that explore different facets of the mystery genre.

Heady stuff, and scientifically backed, as was his comment of how, when one is asked a question, one tends to look off in one direction to search for memories, while to the opposite direction, would be using one’s imagination... in some cases, fabricating. I know of a friend who would begin to blink like mad, if he was planning to dissemble or lie... a dead giveaway, if recognized. To know which direction is which, or to learn more about NLP and what Ben has to offer, go to www.benampil.com or contact him at ben@benampil.com

The mystery showcase

The mystery genre today is a multi-faceted one, with the tag “mystery” being placed on a variety of stories, some of which can bear no relation to the one beside it. Dominance is Will Lavender’s intricate novel, his second, and it’s a stunner. Plugged is Eoin Colfer’s first “adult” novel, but the impish humor is intact, while Paul Marmont’s latest is historical fiction with sleight of hand as its strong suit. Enjoy!

Dominance by Will Lavender (available at National Bookstore): This is one literary mystery that truly astounds, a puzzle box within a puzzle box. It’s a double helix narrative of alternating chapters  one narrative is set in the early 1990s, where a Professor Aldiss has been charged with the murder of two female students, and from prison, teaches a class of English majors. He uses the novels of a certain Paul Fellows as a key to solving the murders. The other narrative is set in the present day, and someone is killing off all those who attended that special class and is trying to pin the murders again on Aldiss. It’s in the exposition and slow reveal  that Lavender truly excels, and shows himself the master of this particular type of mystery.

Plugged by Eoin Colfer (available at National Bookstore): The Artemis Fowl series has made Eoin Colfer something of a household name, and it’s nice to report that this foray into “comedic noir” is one successful transition. The protagonist is a balding, Irish ex-army man who has ended up working as a bouncer in a low-end casino in New Jersey. Balding is important as the plugged in the title refers to his hair plugs, as well as someone getting shot and killed  of which there are numerous in the story. It’s Colfer’s trademark sense of humor and irony that makes this novel so special and such a delight to read. All loose ends are tied up in this novel, so even when we think it’s ended, Colfer keeps the storyline chugging. Belly laughs with mystery!

The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown by Paul Marmont (available at National Bookstore): This is one surreal blend of fact and fiction, historical fiction that takes enormous liberties with personages and storyline. It’s 1943 and the fathers of the nuclear age and science fiction are brought together in a secret military mission that aims to help the Allied forces defeat the Nazis. Asimov, Hubbard, Heinlein, Oppenheimer, these are just some of the names that flit across the pages and become our intrepid detectives, seeking to unravel the secrets of Edison and Tesla. And what Marmont excels in is turning these illustrious names into real people, having marital problems, being insecure about their contributions to society, and working together despite professional jealousy.