Spiral Dynamics

This is a model of psychological development based on the work of Clare Graves. It traces the development and growing complexity of human values.

The model provides valuable insights into individual, team and organisational behaviour. For example, you will no doubt have observed the dynamic tension that exists between the controllers and the change agents. Increasing complexity is blurring the distinction.

Want to know more ?
Our diverse views, beliefs and identities can be represented by eight memes or value systems, which can be applied to individuals or entire cultures. They are outlined below.

This summary is taken from the "What is Enlightenment" Magazine (Winter 2002). Get more detailed explanation from the website http://www.wie.org. A deeper analysis can be found in Don Beck and Christpher Cowan's book "Spiral Dynamics" . Published by Blackwell 1996. ISBN 1-55786-940-5 or use the Weblinks.

The eight-stage spiral of development

	Turquoise - HOLISTIC MEME - starting 30 years ago Experiencing the whole of existence through mind and spirit Seeing the world as a single, dynamic organism with it's own collective mind Self is both a distinct and blended part of a larger, compassionate whole Everything connects to everything else in ecological alignments Energy and information permeate the total environment Holistic, intuitive thinking and cooperative actions are expected xxxxx
	Yellow - INTEGRATIVE MEME - starting 50 years ago Live fully and responsibly as what you are and learn to become Life is a kaleidoscope of natural hiearchies, systems and forms The magnificence of existence is valued over material possessions Flexibility, sponteneity and functionality are given a high priority Differences can be integrated into an interdependent, natural flows Understands that chaos and change are natural xxxxxx
	Green - COMMUNITARIAN MEME - starting 150 years ago Seeking peace within the inner self and exploring community with others The human spirit must be freed from greed, dogma and divisiveness Feelings, sensitivity and caring supersede cold rationality Spreads the Earth's resources and opportunities for equally among all Reaches decisions through reconcilliation and consensus processes Refreshes spirituality, brings harmony and enriches human development xxxxx
	Orange - ACHIEVIST MEME - starting 300 years ago Act in your own self interest by playing the game to win Change and advancement are inherent within the scheme of things Progresses by learning nature's secrets and seeking out the best solutions Manipulates Earth's resources to create and spread the abundant good life Optimistic, risk taking and self-reliant people deserve success Societies prosper through strategy, technology and competitiveness xxxx
	Blue - PURPOSEFUL MEME - starting 5,000 years ago Life has meaning, direction and purpose with predefined outcomes One sacrifices self to the transcendental cause, truth or righteous pathway The order enforces a code of conduct based on eternal, absolute principles Righteous living produces stability now, guaranteeing future reward Impulsiveness is controlled through guilt; everyone has their proper place Laws, regulations and discipline build character and moral fibre xxxxxx
	Red - EGOCENTRIC MEME - starting 10,000 years ago Be what you are and do what you want, regardless The world is a jungle full of threats and preditors Breaks free from any domination or constraint to please self, as self desires Stands tall, expects attention, demands respect and calls the shots Enjoys self to the fullest, without guilt or remorse Conquers, out-foxes and dominates other aggressive characters xxxxxxx
	Purple - MAGICAL MEME - starting 50,000 years ago Keep the spirits happy and the tribe's nest warm and safe Obeys the desires of the spirit being and mystical signs Shows allegiance to chief, elders, ancestors and the clan Individual subsumed in group Preserves sacred objects, places, events and memories Observes rights of passage, seasonal cycles and tribal customs xxxxxx
	Beige - SURVIVALISTIC MEME - starting 100,000 years ago Do what you must do to stay alive Uses instincts and habits just to stay alive Distinct self is barely awakened or sustained Food, water, warmth, sex and safety have priority Forms into survival bands to perpetuate life Lives off the land much as other animals xxxxxx

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What's the point ?
Different times and different environments produce different mindsets. They provide valuable insights into understanding the chaos and complexity of whole systems and how to achieve alignment and integration in organisations. It can help us influence and use the natural processes of cultural change and personal development.

The majority of change initiatives fail because the belief systems of those wanting change are so different from those who are being asked to implement it. The change is unnatural and therefore cannot be sustained.

As you observe what is going on around you, you will see examples of these psychological and cultural elements in the way different groups in organisations and communities behave, and the way individuals behave as well. These memes live in the ecological environment that is our mind. They are our psycho-cultural DNA.

Changing times require a change of mind. Without it we just continue to talk about change, but nothing really happens. Change is about presencing - bring the future into the present moment, the power of NOW. Without addressing personal and cultural change together we just produce results that nobody really wants. We are locked-in to the status quo - our comfort zones.

Spiral Dynamics in action
For example, in local government you will find the policy people wanting to promote green values - the importance of community involvement and putting the customer first. The organisation development people may be pushing orange values - striving for excellence and continuous improvement. Elected members may be dominated by the egocentric red meme - determined to get what they want by dominating their opponents.

You will see these values emerging in individual behaviour as well. with blue people coming across as authoritarian and righteous, orange people manipulating relationships and events to influence the direction of change, and green people who are sensitive and caring - wanting everyone to share in the benefits of what they can create by working in partnership.

Balancing outside-in and inside-out
Spiral Dynamics helps to explain the way our environment determines our nature and influences our energy (outside-in). But as Eckhart Tolle reminds us in "The Power of Now" we are not just our minds, energy comes from our souls as well (inside-out).

"When your consciousness is directed outward, mind
and world arise. When it is directed inward it realises
it's own source and returns home into
the unmanifested." Eckhart Tolle