Cracking the Conversation Code With The Primary Interest Filter
Picture this: you someone new, extend your hand, the classic “Nice to meet you” rolls off your tongue. They respond. What’s the next thing you say? What if I told you there’s a secret code that can change the game of first impressions? There is. It’s called the Primary Interest Filter Meta-programme.
In Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), there’s a hidden gem—the Primary Interest Filter. Forget about those awkward hellos; I’m about to teach you the magic words that connect, charm, and offer the power to hold someone’s interest without needing to practice an elevator speech.
When we interact with people, we naturally lean towards certain topics. Like a magnetic force drawing us into conversations about their quirky tie, the environment, something you read in the news, or the endless labyrinth of workplace politics. It’s all about the big picture of how we categorise our experience, and cracking the secret of their Primary Interest Filter will keep your interactions sizzling with intrigue.
Cracking this code is your golden ticket to making friends, connecting with people, hiring the right talent, creating harmonious workplaces, and even keeping motivation alive and kicking. Keep reading to discover how understanding this one meta-programme can make your social life and business relationships liven up like never before.
What Are Meta-Programmes?
In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), the concept of meta-programmes refers to the mental filters or patterns that individuals use to process information and make sense of the world around them. Meta-programmes play a crucial role in understanding human behaviour and communication preferences.
The primary interest filter in NLP relates to an individual’s preferred focus or priority when processing information or engaging in activities. It essentially describes where a person’s attention naturally gravitates. Some people focus on several categories, others on only one, hence the “primary” interest. There are seven general categories of interest that we filter, things, places, people, activities and ideas. For example, if someone comments first on your new dress or jacket, it’s likely they have ‘things’ as their primary focus. If the first thing they mention is the ideas discussed at an event, their primary interest filter is ‘ideas’.
The Seven Primary Interest Filter Categories
Things
People with a primary interest in “things” tend to be more focused on objects, systems, and tangible elements.
These individuals might be interested in computers, clothes, accessories, gadgets, buildings and furniture. They will be focused on the product and it’s features rather than the values around the purpose of it.
Things people are often detail-oriented and may excel in roles that require precision, technical skills, or attention to physical objects. Jobs like engineers, architects, or quality control specialists may appeal to them.
People
Individuals with a primary interest in “people” are typically more social and relationship-oriented.
They enjoy interacting with others, building connections, and understanding human behaviour. These people like working with groups, and spending time in meetings or on the phone, and they blossom in offices where there is people high interaction throughout the day.
Careers such as counselling, coaching, sales, or human resources align well with their interests. Their people focus gives them the edge in any sales or customer service role.
Places
People with a primary interest in “places” have a strong affinity for their physical environment.Their like or dislike for their working environment has a major impact on their mood and motivation.
These individuals make life decisions based on travel distance, climate, view, location characteristics and aesthetics. If your clients are ‘places’ focused, arrange your meetings somewhere with a view and high-impact aesthetics.
They may enjoy exploring new locations, or working in jobs related to real estate, urban planning, or travel and tourism.
Information
People with a primary interest in “information” are naturally curious and seek knowledge and data.
They’re interested in the actual information rather than how it’s stored, processed or transmitted. “Information” people seek out data from journals, the internet and by joining societies. Sneak into their house and you’ll find a home library for reference.
They excel at processing and analysing information, making them suitable for roles in research, data analysis, journalism, or academia.
Activity
Individuals with a primary interest in “activity” are action-oriented and enjoy being physically engaged.
They’re interested in HOW things are done, rather than why, what and by whom. Decisions to visit or work in locations are based on what activities they can involve themselves in.
They may thrive in roles that involve movement and activity, such as sports, fitness training, or jobs in the performing arts.
Ideas
Those with a primary interest in “ideas” are often creative and visionary. They enjoy exploring new concepts, generating innovative solutions, and thinking outside the box.
This kind of mind often requires a ‘completer-finisher’ to work alongside them in a team in order to ensure the ideas make it into the real world.
Roles in design, creative writing, entrepreneurship, or research and development may appeal to them.
Systems & Processes
People with a primary interest in systems and processes have a natural inclination toward structure, order, and the inner workings of things. They tend to thrive in environments where they can create, maintain, or optimise systems.
Individuals with this primary interest are exceptionally detail-oriented and patient. Their preference is thinking in a logical and systematic manner. They appreciate a clear cause-and-effect relationship and often excel in problem-solving that involves a step-by-step approach.
They possess strong organisational skills, being able to efficiently plan, schedule, and coordinate tasks. “Systems” people also enjoy working with established procedures and guidelines.
Essential Knowledge For Leaders & HR Members
Understanding an individual’s primary interest filter can have several practical benefits:
Effective Communication: Tailoring your communication style to align with the other person’s primary interest can improve rapport and understanding. For example, if someone has a “people” primary interest, focusing on building a personal connection during a conversation will likely be more effective.
Better Team Dynamics: In a workplace setting, knowing the primary interests of team members can help in assigning tasks that align with their strengths and interests, leading to improved team performance.
Job Placement: When hiring or placing individuals in specific roles, considering their primary interest filter can lead to better job satisfaction and performance. Matching a person’s natural inclination with the requirements of a job can lead to a more engaged and motivated employee.
How To Work With The Primary Interest Filter Meta-Programme
Identify Primary Interests: Observe and listen to determine their primary interests. You can ask open-ended questions to gain insights into what they enjoy and what naturally engages their attention.
Tailor Communication: When communicating with someone, adjust your approach based on their primary interest. For example, if you’re working with someone who has an “information” primary interest, provide them with data and facts to support your points. See ‘Pacing & Leading’ examples below.
Recruitment: When placing people in roles or teams, consider their primary interests alongside their skills and qualifications. Try to align their responsibilities with their natural inclinations to maximise job satisfaction and productivity.
Team Design: Building diverse teams with a mix of primary interests can lead to well-rounded problem-solving and creativity. Ensure that team members appreciate each other’s strengths and differences and encourage open communication.
Pacing & Leading
Pacing and leading with this pattern simply involves setting aside your own primary interest filter and focusing your comments on the other person’s primary interest when the opportunity naturally arises.
Let’s say you were interviewing someone for a receptionist role for your company and they had a primary focus on people and perhaps a secondary focus on activity. You might choose to present the role in this way.
“I think you’ll enjoy this role because we have many people in and out during the day: clients, employees and delivery people. You’ll be constantly on the go, answering calls, greeting people and settling guests into the building. We want you to chat with people when you have time and make them feel as comfortable as possible. You will be one of the first people our guests see and we want you to represent the company as friendly, professional and interested.”
If the applicant had a primary focus on systems and a secondary focus on people, you may choose to present the role in this way.
“You will love our smart communication system. It’s cutting edge and it is logical, quick and easy to learn and use. We also ask our reception team to give feedback to enhance system updates. Our other receptionists enjoy the fact that you can manage calls and transfer them quickly, you can redirect your phone to your mobile, you can leave automated messages for other team members and this allows you to give your full attention to visitors who enter the site. You can automatically notify employees of deliveries and order refreshments directly from the canteen at the touch of a button. We’ve set up the technology to support you in being as efficient as possible while being able to deliver excellent hospitality to your in-person guests.”
Learn More About Meta-Programmes With Advanced NLP
In summary, understanding and leveraging the primary interest filter in NLP can lead to more effective communication, improved team dynamics, and better job placement decisions. It’s a valuable tool for both personal and professional interactions, helping individuals connect more authentically and thrive in roles that align with their natural preferences.
This meta-programme is just one of many contained with the Neuro Linguistic Programming toolkit. Click here to find out more about Advanced NLP Training with me.
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