Chunk Size: Choice or Compulsion?

By Kevin Creedon

Chunk size, our ability to focus on the big picture: large chunk, or the details small chunk— is typically thought of as a rapport and negotiation skill. It is used to match, to deepen and maintain rapport. But another side of chunk-size is equally important: realizing outcomes. One of Robert Dilts' criteria for a well-formed outcome is that it is appropriately chunked.

Take a moment to think of a project that is important to you.

Notice what size chunk you spontaneously choose. Are you thinking of the big picture, or are you focusing on the smaller details, or are you somewhere in the middle?

Now think about a chunk size that you didn't choose. Is this unchosen chunk size one that in this context you're uncomfortable with?

Think about your project and look for patterns: have you been avoiding a certain chunk size?

If you've been avoiding a certain chunk size and want more freedom about using it, try this process from our Practitioner Training. (It's easiest with a partner.)

1. Think of your project, using the unchosen chunk-size (the one you have been avoiding). As you fully associate into it, touch anchor on one knee whatever feelings come up. For example, one person described going small chunk as shallow breathing, a tight throat and the beginnings of a headache. (Remember to break state after the touch anchor.)

2. Think of the opposite feelings of the ones just felt. Remember an experience of those opposite feelings and anchor that on the other knee with the other hand. (Break state.)

3. Test the anchors to ensure they are clean states. Then collapse the anchors by firing both anchors simultaneously. Hold them until you calibrate a positive resolution.

4. Think of your project using the chunk that you had been avoiding and notice the difference.

The results can be quite amazing—this simple process can breathe new life into stuck projects! Remember, it's not the chunk-size that was a problem, just how you had been thinking about it.