Scott Gallimore (Senior Trainer)

Interview about Values with Benjamin Roberts

During our lunch in a restaurant on the sixth floor of a department store we discuss the importance of fundamental values in life. Scott looks up and casually says ‘the choice to join Global NLP was a simple one’. The 48-year old divorced father of three contemplates for a moment as he eyes the panoramic view of Amsterdam’s skyline before explaining that his fundament values of peace, freedom, and family are completely congruent with Global NLP company values. Global NLP’s first fundament value, getting people passionate about positive change is crucial for me in finding peace. ‘You are either governed by change or at the helm of it. Change happens no matter what, so its better if you are aware of your values and let them become your guiding principles to master change’. “When I help those around me find their peace that brings peace to me”.

For Scott, the value of ‘freedom’ does not stem from the need to be disconnected from other people but rather from the notion that you are free to live your life. ‘People who are unaware of their values and not living congruent with those values are not free’. When I am able to teach students and facilitate them to discover their values, then I am able to show them how to be free”.

The value of heart incorporates both love and compassion. Love is a core value. Once you identify where your underlying values are, then heart is almost a by-product at the very center of who we are- and are those values that we truly strive for. Scott points out, ‘if those values are truly present, then you are truly living. If you hold your internal values dear, then you are leading with your heart and holding those values at a high standard’.

Scott adds, ‘that’s where integrity steps in. Not living up to your fundamental values is actually being dishonest with yourself’. The key question then pops up, ‘am I living in accordance to my values and towards others’. One of the presuppositions of NLP is that all our intentions are positive, at least, when you get to the core of that intention. Scott argues ‘at that very moment, honesty and integrity are present by default. With that belief and understanding, we are truly moral beings’. Underlying values are highly moral, have a high degree of integrity, and fair play is key.

In order to sustain a life of living to your values once you’ve realized what they are, its imperative to incorporate fun and continuous learning into the picture. Continuous learning means ‘are my values present in my relationships and activities, and moreover, am I having fun doing it?” If all is present, living from your heart, living an honest life with integrity, having fun and continuous learning, then there is commitment.

Commitment

Commitment comes easy when all the other values are present. “Commitment to actually helping people and myself to live a congruent life, that is my life mission”. Fulfilling my life mission is particularly relevant with family and loved-ones, and is the most precious gift I can give them and myself. Family for Scott is the basis of everything. We spend more time with our families then anyone else, yet we can have a tendency to treat them poorly or exhibit our worst behavior with them”. Conflict in life arises when people deviate from their fundamental values. Scott adds, ‘teaching my loved-ones and myself how to discover their values helps create a positive environment for everyone. And it works! True values are inherently positive, and do not conflict with each other”. “How positive values of different people can work together is never a problem because they can work synergistically”. Living combined values produce results infinitely greater than I can ever do by myself. “If everybody approached their families and relationships in this way, it would work like a ripple effect, and the world would be a better place”.

 By Benjamin Roberts