Description

The purpose of this first module is to initiate a subtle, whole-system transformation, preparing you to fully adopt and embody the mindset of a leader parent. This module is grounded in Robert Dilts’ Pyramid of Neurological Levels, a model used in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

Since parents form a vital part of a child’s environment, it’s essential for them to be mindful of their own character, emotions, communication style, and overall outlook on life. Robert Dilts’ Pyramid of Neurological Levels is, in my view, one of the most effective tools for understanding and shaping human behavior. This pyramid provides a structured framework to explore various levels where significant, lasting changes can occur. Each level, arranged hierarchically from the tangible to the abstract, affects and is affected by the others.

At the base of the pyramid lies the ENVIRONMENT, encompassing the external context in which we operate—places, people, and resources we interact with. Changes at this level are straightforward and noticeable, but without support from the upper levels, their impact may be limited.

Above this is BEHAVIOR , which includes our visible actions and reactions. Enhancing behavior can yield positive results, yet without shifts at deeper levels, these improvements may be short-lived.

ABILITIES make up the next level, referring to our skills, competencies, and strategies for handling tasks. Strengthening abilities can have a substantial effect on our effectiveness, but for these changes to last, they must be grounded in well-aligned beliefs and values.

BELIEFS AND VALUES represent a deeper level, encompassing our core beliefs and what we hold dear. They shape our perspectives and guide our actions and decisions. Shifts at this level can result in deep and lasting transformation.

The next level is IDENTITY, relating to our self-perception, roles, and life mission. Identity influences all other levels, meaning changes here can profoundly impact our entire way of being.

At the top of Dilts’ pyramid is SPIRITUALITY or VISION, referring to our sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves. This level includes our spiritual and ethical convictions, affecting all levels beneath it.

This framework forms the foundation of our module, which I have further developed and adapted for parenting to create what I call the Parenting Leadership Pyramid. This Parenting Leadership Pyramid provides a clear structure for understanding the complexity of leadership and how its various aspects interconnect within the realm of parenting.

The Parenting Leadership Pyramid offers a comprehensive framework for fostering personal growth as a leader parent. In this module, The Leader Parent Avatar, we work through each level of the pyramid to guide the transformation of a parent into a leader parent.

We establish clear goals for this transformation by moving through each step of the Parenting Leadership Pyramid, which includes:

• Connecting with Spirituality
• Creating a Vision for the leader parent
• Understanding the Mission of a leader parent
• Defining the Identityof a leader parent
• Choosing the Values that guide a leader parent
• Establishing the Beliefs that support a leader parent
• Developing the Abilities a leader parent needs
• Adopting the Behaviors of a leader parent in interactions with their child
• Setting specific Actions for the leader parent to take
• Shaping the Environment in which a leader parent operates.

The module provides strategies and action plans for each of these objectives, outlining the steps and guidelines needed to achieve them. It is divided into sections corresponding to each objective, along with practical strategies for putting them into practice.

Your task is to begin using these strategies in your daily interactions with your child. I am sure that you’ll find plenty of opportunities to apply these leadership principles and strategies as challenges arise in your child’s responses.