Can Clean Language be used for things other than coaching or therapy?
Yes. People in all kinds of professions are using Clean Language to foster better relationships, to get clear about project requirements, to run meetings more efficiently, and to simply listen well.
To give you an idea, here are just a few of the things that have happened in the twenty-one years since David's book, Resolving Traumatic Memories, was written:
- Caitlin Walker has developed numerous programmes based on Clean Language for businesses, schools and in the third sector.
- Liverpool John Moore University has incorporated Clean Language into many of their student programmes.
- Annemiek van Helsdingen has developed a programme on stress prevention in Holland which utilises Clean Language and Clean Space.
- Martin Snodden has used Clean Language in his post-conflict reconciliation work in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Serbia.
- John Martin developed and managed an Open University course called Practical Thinking, which was based on Clean Language. He also ran a workshop called "How to Create a Clean Company" at the 10th International Anti-Corruption Conference in 2001.
- Ned Skelton used Clean Language to coach the GB Premier Open Dragon Boat Team.
- Marian Way, Phil Swallow and Wendy Sullivan developed a Clean Language based training programme for 1600 Weight Watchers leaders in the UK. Called 'One Minute Motivation', this was subsequently rolled out worldwide.
- Mike Duckett used Clean Language and Symbolic Modelling with celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal and helped him to develop his 'kid in a sweet shop' metaphor.
- Nancy Doyle works with coaches to help them to supply clean coaching to people with dyslexia and dyspraxia in the workplace.
- Simon Coles runs a software company based on clean principles with every member of staff using clean questions to clarify situations every day.
Other organisations who have benefited from 'clean' interventions include the National Audit Office, the North Yorkshire police force (who have learned how to keep their assumptions to themselves when interviewing suspects and witnesses), the NHS, the BBC, Jeyes, and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in Whitehall.
If you think your organisation could benefit from a clean approach, please get in touch. Call Marian on 023 9221 5355 or Caitlin on 07946 376948.