Spiral Dynamics 1st and 2nd Tier
Spiral Dynamics 1st and 2nd Tier
We have now completed moving up the Spiral through the 1st tier world views. The important thing about 1st tier is that each swing up the spiral is in response to the problems created by the previous Vmeme. This can often create a blind spot or distrust of the previous worldview. So, for instance, Green's humanitarianism is deeply suspicious of Orange's ambition to advance technologically because the assumption is it's really all about power. Orange's individual drive to succeed can be very reactionary to Blue's need for structure and "truth" because Orange may see that as simply a ruse to keep them confined.
What this means is that often parts of the previous Vmemes go into shadow for us or our organizations. We don't even realize that we are in reaction to something because it is in our shadow. What happens then is that we not only move beyond the parts of the previous Vmeme that we don't like; we also don't have access to parts of that very worldview that could assist us. So, for instance, so many Green people and organizations do not have enough money to carry out their mission because they have devalued ambition and success, being suspicious of the Orange point of view. Beige, Purple, Red, Blue, Orange, Green represent the swing up the first tier - each one inherently suspicious and reactionary against the ones before.
As we continue to mature, we move then to 2nd Tier Yellow and Turquoise. 2nd tier is fundamentally different in perspective because, from this vantage point, we are able to see the value and benefit of each worldview. We can see the difference between healthy and unhealthy vmemes and we recognize that every person and every organization actually has and needs each set of values. 2nd tier thinking means we have become mature enough to know which value set is called for in a given situation or discussion. We can more easily recognize someone else's values and interact with them with language and understanding that meets them where they are without making any set of values inherently wrong or right.
The challenge with moving to second tier thinking is that Green is adamantly opposed to anything that smacks of differentiation or distinctions. Green can read this as being judgmental and therefore resists moving into 2nd tier. 2nd tier thinking, however, recognizes the value and need for each worldview. Rather then making one "better" than another, 2nd tier thinking sees that each one has its own particular value and purpose. Sometimes we need our Purple Tribe, or the personal power of Red, or the structure and discipline of Blue, or the drive of Orange, or the consensus building of Green. 2nd tier thinking recognizes each one and values each one. This also allows us to reclaims those value sets that have gone into shadow and are playing out inappropriately in our lives or in our communities and organizations.
We will conclude this next time with Yellow and Turquoise.
- 1 year ago
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