Perceptual Position in NLP
Describes our point of view in a specific situation: First Position is our own point of view. Second Position is usually someone else's point of view. Third position is the point of view of a dissociated observer-much like an overview or meta-position.
Perceptual Positions is a technique that allows us to have a multiple perspective in a situation so that we can have greater influence and be even more flexible.
“Do not judge your neighbour until you have walked a mile in his moccasins; do not evaluate until you have, through
multiple descriptions, gained news of difference.”
Turtles All The Way Down, page 200.
WISDOM COMES FROM MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES.
- First Position: Looking at the world from your own point of view, through your own eyes. You are totally associated and not taking account of anyone else’s point of view, your own referential index.
How does this affect me?
- Second Position: Considering how it would look, feel, and sound for another person. Looking through another person’s eyes; appreciating the other point of view.
How would this appear to them?
The stronger rapport you have with another person, the easier it will be for you to appreciate their reality and achieve second position.
- Third Position or Meta Position: Observing the system or feedback loop of first and second positions from a dissociated position. Seeing the world from an outside point of view, as an independent observer, someone with no personal involvement in the situation. (Meta from Greek meaning beyond, above, at a higher level.)
How would this look to someone who is not involved?
This creates an objective viewpoint from which you can generate and evaluate some useful choices in a difficult situation.
All three "perceptual positions" are equally important and the purpose is to be able to move between them freely, taking the information gained from each, to inform the system differently. This is the basis of a Triple Description.
(See DeLozier, Judith; Grinder, John. Turtles All The Way.)
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