Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
on educational leadership. In particular, it aimed to investigate the impact of NLP practitioner training
on educational leaders’ personal and professional development. A mixed-method study was conducted
using a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with educational leaders in the
Greater Manchester area of the UK. A quantitative method was initially used, followed by qualitative
research drawing on semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The overall conclusion is that NLP
techniques can have a positive impact on educational leaders’ day-to-day work. The findings suggest
that educational leaders find a range of NLP principles and techniques helpful in their personal and
professional development. In particular, NLP rapport building techniques, or NLP communication
modelling were ranked the highest by all the research participants.