While there are many aspects that go into effective company-building, few can have a greater impact on your long-term success than your own mindset. Strong business leaders use a wide range of principles to strengthen their own capabilities and empower others, but quite often, success comes down to an entrepreneur having the right mindset to face obstacles with confidence.

Why Mansour Tawafi Believes It’s Vital for
Why Mansour Tawafi Believes It’s Vital for Mansour Tawafi

This is undoubtedly why traits like passion and purpose are so frequently cited as necessary attributes for entrepreneurs — and it is also why Mansour Tawafi, president of Validus, says that the concept of neuro-linguistic programming is such a powerful tool for building your company.

What is neuro-linguistic programming?

Neuro-linguistic programming, or NLP, is a psychological concept that was first developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in their book "The Structure of Magic." In this work, intended for therapists, Bandler and Grinder argued that people create "inner models" of their world that influence their beliefs, behaviors and how they perceive their experiences in life. While the book argued that NLP could be used for treating phobias, learning disorders and depression, the concept has also gained traction in the business world.

"Your mindset is an incredibly powerful thing, no matter what your goals look like," Tawafi explains. "Our thought patterns either empower us and help motivate us to achieve our goals, or they can cause us to get stuck in a rut. The way we think either serves us or holds our back. Our thoughts will directly influence our beliefs, which in turn affect how we act as we work toward our goals."

With this in mind, a key aspect of NLP is that each individual has their own unique perspective of the world. This perspective is influenced by their subjective point of view, rather than relying on an objective viewpoint. By understanding that perspective and adjusting it when needed, individuals can be better equipped to move toward their goals, whatever they may be.

Common examples of NLP

In its most basic sense, NLP focuses on how you can reframe your perception through specific actions and mental exercises. Tony Robbins describes some of these techniques, such as imagery training, in which you visualize yourself successfully performing an action; modeling — or surrounding yourself with people who have achieved the same goals you want to achieve so you can model their behaviors; and mirroring body language to increase trust and rapport when you are making new connections.

Tawafi notes, "These types of activities require consistent practice. You should look at them the same way you would consider physical exercise. They're not 'one and done' things. By making them a consistent part of your routine, you'll be far better positioned to truly change your mindset so you can reach your biggest goals."

Putting NLP into action for your own business efforts

By understanding the concepts behind NLP and some of the basic practices that are used to reframe an individual's mindset, it is easy to see how such actions can be used for company-building.

"Take mirroring, for example," Tawafi explains. "As a business leader, one of the most important things you can do is make meaningful connections with others. Whether that's with a prospective client, an employee or a business partner, quickly establishing a sense of trust and confidence with that individual is going to define the relationship. By enacting the principles of NLP, you are better able to make a strong first impression that can lead to a lasting influential relationship."

Of course, fostering new connections is hardly the only NLP practice that can lead to more effective company-building. Research has found that as many as 72 percent of entrepreneurs suffer from mental health concerns, with depression, anxiety and ADHD being especially common. Without proper care, such issues can become significant roadblocks for entrepreneurs.

While business leaders should never overlook or undervalue professional mental health treatment when necessary, NLP practices can help alleviate common sources of stress that might otherwise contribute to anxiety. NLP practices such as visualizing successes and amplifying positive outcomes rather than negative outcomes can provide a much-needed confidence boost for key activities, whether that be a funding pitch with potential investors or researching a new product.

"Obviously, you need to increase your knowledge and capabilities to strengthen your business acumen," Tawafi says. "But when you are also working to adopt the right mindset with the help of MLP techniques, such as visualizing successes and surrounding yourself with powerful mentors, you will also have the necessary framework to turn that knowledge into something more meaningful."

Building your ideal future with NLP

NLP may not be the be-all end-all of effective company-building, but it can serve as a valuable tool for entrepreneurs who are trying to increase their momentum or change their direction.

"We can't control everything," says Tawafi, "but we can control how we approach our own growth and goals. By actively changing the way you think, you can build many of the skills that will lead you to success in business and help you increase your self-confidence. These things can ultimately be just as important as having a great business idea. When you can work and lead with confidence, you'll be far more likely to turn your desired results into a living reality."