Spiral Dynamics

Evolving as a Leader

Based on research from the work by David Rooke and William R. Torbert on ‘Seven Transformations of Leadership’ (Published by Harvard), their Leadership Development Framework (LDF) has Seven (7) stages of Adult Development (Vertical Development) though that model has been increased now to eight due to the expanded awareness of this work. Along with other different but similar vertical psychology approaches (Spiral Dynamics (SD) for instance), throughout a particular lifetime, adults start at one and can progress through the many levels to level seven or eight. The closer you are to these higher levels of consciousness (6,7 and 8), the more able you will be to effect and deliver on change, be an effective director and manage internationally. Each stage can be regarded as a level of awareness or consciousness for a particular worldview or action logic and forms the psychological basis for a critical perception of why we act in a certain way. Whenever the world stops making sense to us individually, it normally indicates a shift upwards in consciousness is awaiting to emerge, though it can take up to two years to progress from one level to the next; in fact less than 20 % actually make it past stage three, the Achiever level. The categories are, in reverse order:

Action Logic	Characteristics	Strengths	% with this action logic
Alchemist	Generates social transformations. Integrates material, spiritual, and societal transformation.	Good at leading society-wide transformations.	1%
Strategist	Generates organizational and personal transformations. Exercises the power of mutual inquiry, vigilance, and vulnerability for both the short and long term.	Effective as a transformational leader.	4%
Individualist	Interweaves competing personal and company action logics. Creates unique structures to resolve gaps between strategy and performance.	Effective in venture and consulting roles.	4%
Achiever	Meets strategic goals. Effectively achieves goals through teams; juggles managerial duties and market demands.	Well suited to managerial roles; action and goal oriented.	30%
Expert	Rules by logic and expertise. Seeks rational efficiency.	Good as an individual contributor.	38%
Diplomat	Avoids overt conflict. Wants to belong; obeys group norms; rarely rocks the boat.	Good as supportive glue within an office; helps bring people together.	12%
Opportunist	Wins any way possible. Self-oriented; manipulative; “might makes right.”	Good in emergencies and in sales opportunities.	5%

The voyage of development ‘from manager to leader’ is not an easy one. Some people change little during their lifetimes; some change substantially. Despite the undeniably crucial role of genetics, human consciousness is not fixed and affects our decision making, though we may feel more comfortable at particular ones. Those who are willing to work at developing themselves and becoming more self-aware can almost certainly evolve over time into truly transformational leaders. For the future world emerging, the higher stages of consciousness are being called forth dramatically, with the younger generation coming in at levels far higher than their bosses (Yellow and Turquoise), creating new tensions in the corporate cultures. Few current leaders may become or want to become Alchemists (Turquoise in SD) desiring to change the world for the worlds sake (Non ego driven), but many well have the desire and potential to become Individualists (Green) and Strategists (Yellow) or at least progress and take the next steps appropriate to them on their ‘Heroes Journey’. Remember that “higher worldviews can see lower levels but lower cannot see higher”. Corporations that help their executives and leadership teams examine their personal world views or action logics can reap rich rewards in terms of effective cultural transformation and engaging the younger generation.

Adult Development Programme

using Spiral Dynamics

You will learn to

• Explain the 7-8 levels of Vertical Development and what the key characteristics are
• Understand the basics of vertical development and how they relate
• Understand the stages of Spiral Dynamics and how they relate to Vertical Development
• Appreciate the importance and relevance of Spirit(uality) in your life and work compared to ego development
• Identify what your Vertical Development Leader Level is by questionnaire and interview
• Compare horizontal psychology techniques like MBTI, C-Me or DISC to see how they support each other
• Show and talk with others on the course by sharing – gaining more insight – and possible revision
• Build an empathic, trusting coaching relationships that achieve objectives and better performance outcomes
• Consider a method for individuals and teams to explore their strengths, potential, ambitions and options
• Develop an individual plan, by coaching, to help you develop your skills to get to the next, or possible, higher level, within a timeframe

Call us on +447788425688 for more details or send us an enquiry