Learning and Development Consultancy
Lizzi Larbalestier Certified NLP Trainer and Master Practitioner
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Why "catalyst"?

Have you ever wondered what motivates people to make significant change?  How is it for you?  Do you tend to be constantly on the lookout for opportunities heading towards new possible outcomes, or do you like things to be pretty stable and therefore have a tendency to make significant change only when things get really uncomfortable?  There can be any number of motivators for change, but one thing I do know is that "effective" change is reliant on a degree of willingness to embrace it, act and respond in new ways.  In fact in the ever changing world we inhabit I am unsure whether true stability really exists.  If everything around us is changing surely we have to adapt and flex our behaviour even to give the impression of standing still?  Happily personal flexibility and adaptability is limitless and can therefore be developed.
 
According to one dictionary definition - a "catalyst" is a substance which in small quantities greatly enhances the reaction within a system.  The role of a catalyst is to enter an environment and facilitate change, without developing interdependency ie the system is not reliant on the catalyst long term.  After all ultimately the success of any change intervention lies with the individuals who own the change doesn't it?  In a business context this might be business leaders, stakeholders and teams, whilst in the case of a personal change project the onus is on the individual.  As "change-catalysts" my associates and I facilitate your ability to identify and deliver change.
Curious Not Critical

"The Map is not the Territory" is for me one of the most powerful NLP presuppositions and it heavily influences the way I work and live my life.  For me this principle acts as a reminder to avoid assumptions and look beyond the obvious to explore what could be possible.  Often through creating an environment of exploration the most unexpected of solutions arise.
 
A key success factor working with clients has been to approach all situations with a high degree of curiosity.  Asking questions such as "how is it possible", and "what needs to happen now" has proved to be far more effective in unlocking opportunities for positive change than questions like "what went wrong" and  "who is to blame" could ever be. 
 
NLP is extremely outcome focused, I provide (as do the wider catalyst NLP associate team) a high degree of objective challenge balanced with support and whilst it may be appropriate to explore with you what has lead to your current situation, the purpose of the "change-catalyst" role is to assist you in identifying (and working with you to achieve) your positive outcome. 
 Connection and Rapport

I have a facilitative approach and a good understanding of the generic theories and principles associated with change.  I also have a lot of experience managing change within a variety of contexts, so can act as an advisor in relation to potential opportunities and potential pitfalls associated with any transition.  I recognise however that every change project is different and whilst I can highlight themes and patterns in relation to common situations you might face, I can also help develop and implement bespoke strategies to maximise the success of your unique change project, through providing coaching or training.  As an "external supporter" I can offer a supportive but objective pair of eyes and ears helping you to establish awareness of your wider system, implications and ecology of any proposed activity, through viewing your system holistically.
 
It is essential for me to truly connect with clients in order to promote sustainable change.  "Meet people in their unique model of the world" is an NLP principle which encompasses the approach I aim to take with all clients.  Engaging with people on their terms, treating people as they wish to be treated, viewing situations from a new perspective.  I believe that if I am treating you the way I would like to be treated then I am not truely in tune with your needs.  This does not mean that I will not provide challenge or play devil's advocate to expand your thinking and options, it simply means that I will contract boundaries with you upfront to understand how best to add value and intervene appropriately.
Creativity and Learning

I believe that learning and growth can come from any avenue and therefore aim to use a wide variety of approaches to any coaching and change project.  Living and training NLP in Cornwall and Devon I am a huge advocate of using the fantastic environment that surrounds us to provide a wealth of potential learning options.
 
NLP is an active model and I find it beneficial to engage your mind and body when facilitating change through use of activities in addition to discussion to stimulate your creative thinking.
 
Encouraging creative thinking establishes an open frame to seek solutions without judgement.  Disney were pioneers of this and I often use the Disney Creativity Strategy as a starting point when working with groups and individuals who seem to be "stuck".
 
Encouraging and experiencing lifelong learning is a core value of mine - a great quote I often revisit from Eric Hoffer sums this up really well for me...  "In times of change learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists"
 
Consultative 
 
The catalyst NLP team will work with you to understand your core needs, ensuring that solutions and interventions are created and delivered in an informed way with appropriate data and taking into account your wider system and stakeholders. We are passionate about identifying and supporting you through providing the "right" intervention... not "any" intervention.

Recognising the potential impact of change not only on yourself but on your immediate environment and those that you live and work with is an essential part of measuring the ecology of any change project and can be the making or breaking of sustainable transformation.