As an introduction to our courses we provide the following video presentation, as well as the written
descriptions further down the page. The video runs about 30 minutes and covers the following topics in-depth:
What is Spiral Dynamics and why is it important to you?
What will you learn during SD1 & 2 training?
How can you use what you learn in your daily life?
NVC Consulting offers a range of courses in Spiral Dynamics and the
Graves theory. Our introductory courses and workshops give students a taste of this powerful model and its possible applications.
Introductory sessions and presentations
We and our associates offer introductions to Spiral Dynamics in the United States, Australia, Germany and Holland. These sessions range from a few hours to a full day or more. They can be held as freestanding events or offered in conjunction with conferences and conventions. Contact us for more information or to schedule an introductory
session for your organization.
SD1 and 2 courses
Our original full-on courses, SD1 and the more advanced SD2, provide for intensive study of the underlying theory and its applications.
They are rich in content and application. Both focus on learning and
exploring the point of view. SD1 is a four-day program; SD2 is three
days.
We’ve designed the courses to provide an accurate foundation in Dr. Graves' underlying
theory as well as the SD applications. While variations on Spiral Dynamics
are being incorporated by several other organizations, our certification training is intended to provide as "clean" and close-to-the-source rendition of the Graves/Spiral Dynamics point of view as possible. It
is our experience that to do so is not a quick-fix process and some
time is required to digest this complex material.
For those who find this work as intriguing and powerful as we do, for those who have had an introduction and sensed the power and need to know more, and especially for those who wish to extend their work from a solid base theoretical base rather than third or fourth hand reinterpretations, Spiral Dynamics certification is a necessary step. To learn more about certification, pleaseclick herefor the “About Certification"
(While we draw links to many other perspectives, we make no pretense of teaching the work of Ken Wilber
or other theorists in depth since it is hard enough to create a solid foundation in the Gravesian perspective in
just a few days. Those interested should go elsewhere to learn about
those philosophies, preferably to the sources for first-hand
information.)
Spiral Dynamics
Basic, SD 1
The four-day in-depth overview seminar
Spiral Dynamics 1 provides participants with a thorough grounding in Spiral Dynamics and Dr. Clare W. Graves' ECLET model, often called "The Graves" in the NLP world. This
course will give you a chance to learn how the model can be applied in real-world settings, to interact with others who have used Spiral Dynamics practically, and to explore its applicability to organization development and human resource aspects through a systems lens.
For those interested in certification in Spiral Dynamics, SD 1 is the first step in our
process. We’ve designed the course to bring both those who are new to this way of thinking and practitioners who already know something about the Gravesian point of view up to speed with current developments in
value systems, memetics and evolutionary change theory.
Participants "live" the levels-of-existence point of view as it is applied to business, personal development, education and a host of other topic areas. The course covers assessment instruments and approaches to determining which vMEMEs are active within individuals and groups. It provides the basics for using the principles of Spiral Dynamics in the field, including introductions to the streams process for organizational design and refinement, as well as the templates model for building organizational intelligences to fit, form, function and flow. In other words, the course helps participants answer the question "How should who manage (or teach or lead, etc.) whom to do what, when?"
Sessions are lively, interactive and fun—but also demanding, thought provoking and intense. Participants will complete a package of self-analysis instruments using both pencil-and-paper and computer technologies.
To complete certification, they will be required to demonstrate competency
in a follow-up project applying the theory and helping others to
understand its implications.
Spiral Dynamics
1
Content modules for certification training (partial list)
The 12 Gravesian principles
The 10 SD presuppositions
Multiple Intelligences (Gardner) – AQ - EQ - IQ - VQ
vMEMES vs. memes and memetics
The history of the ECLET point of view
Six principles of vMEME detection
The seven principles of the vMEME lifecycle
Double helix and emergent systems of Dr. Graves
SD ‘languages’ compared to Graves—color, number and letter pairs
First tier "subsistence levels"
Second tier "being levels"
Entering, nodal, exiting phases between nodal states
Describe LC and MC characteristics of all 18 systems
Use of value systems assessments
The Values Test
Psychological Map, Form A
Proper and ethical use of instruments
Change state Indicator
The six conditions for change
Open, closed and arrested conditions
The five change states
P-O-A formula for management/leadership
Five processes for applying SD
Understanding of eight core systems in three of 12 competency areas:
Motivation
Teaching/Training
Leadership
Diversity
Performance analysis
Counseling and coaching
Management
Job Design
Communications
Organizational design
Rewards systems and Compensation
Social and political activism
Meme hunt and skills demonstrations
Examination
Certification project (optional)
Spiral Dynamics
Intermediate, SD 2
The three-day follow-on seminar
Spiral Dynamics 2 is a more extensive look into the theoretical base of Spiral Dynamics and how to apply it to real-world applications on. Completion of
NVCC's Spiral Dynamics 1 is a prerequisite for participating in Spiral Dynamics
2.*
Spiral Dynamics 2, the second step in the certification process, concentrates on primary source materials and research. We go more in-depth into the seminal work of Dr. Clare W. Graves and the foundations of Spiral Dynamics theory. Chris Cowan, who worked directly with Dr. Graves during the last decade of his life, brings bring a unique perspective to Graves’ elegant research and the powerful ideas it has generated.
Because they have been working full-time with the theory since the early 1980s, applying it in areas ranging from business management and municipal planning to
education and social transformation, there is no better source for a clear and accurate understanding of how "the emergent, cyclical, double-helix model of adult bio-psycho-social systems development" can have a positive impact on individual lives and organizational futures.
Spiral Dynamics 2 is for individuals who want to "get behind the scenes" of human emergence and really understand the deep forces that produce trends, waves and strategies. It also provides a venue for discussing specific applications, projects and research initiatives. Because the advanced seminar is designed to expanding background knowledge and share field experiences using the theory, enrollment is limited to those who have
successfully completed our Spiral Dynamics
1. Participants must demonstrate applications of Spiral Dynamics theory to real-world problems and
issues to complete certification.
Spiral Dynamics
2
Content modules for certification training
(partial list)
Dimensions of a Gravesian value system
Dr. Clare W. Grave's research and other models
Protocols for the levels
Transitional energies
Systems mixtures and sub-systems
The five essential questions
Change
The three potentials for change
The six conditions for change
The seven variations of change
The five transition states
Signs of open, closed, arrested
The temperament variables
Dr. Graves’ research approach and findings
Understanding/predicting transition states
The Humpty-Dumpty effect
Nine symptoms
Lifecycle theory and spiral dynamics
Six principals of vMEME detection
Spiral alignment (The streams process)
Three phases
10 steps in creating strategy
The plumb line process
Using the P-O-A entry formula
Spiral integration
Processes for applying spiral dynamics
Three options for situational intervention
Rules of thumb for positioning leaders
Intermediate assessment certification
Values Test, Psychological Map A & B
Change State Indicator
Q-Mind and ProcessScan
Acceptable use guidelines and ethical practice
Organizational analysis
Spotting vMeme clusters, vMemes and memes
Geopolitical observation and scanning
Levels of psychological existence and consciousness
Select two to three modules in the competency areas for application
report/skills demonstration
Examination
Certification project (optional)
* Please note: Successful completion of
our SD1 is required for admission to SD2. We have found that
various offerings presented as SDi, SD-integral, and other offshoots
are not equivalent and do not adequately prepare students for our
theory-heavy Spiral Dynamics
2 program. We do offer substantial discounts for participation in Spiral Dynamics
1 training to those who have completed other introductory courses and wish to participate in our
more advanced Spiral Dynamics 2 theory course. We regret any
inconvenience this might cause, but have found participants
consistently glad they fleshed out their knowledge with our SD1
approach.
Spiral Dynamics, Advanced SD 3 The advanced instructors' seminar
Spiral Dynamics 3 will be the "graduate school" of Spiral
Dynamics and Gravesian theory. The course will include more about assessment methodologies and pitfalls, training others in use of the theory and explorations of the many parallel models of human development that Graves understood, as well as those which have emerged subsequently. Because this seminar series requires the participation of other expert "Gravesians" as resources and presenters, it can only occur with considerable advanced planning. If you have an interest in a Spiral Dynamics
3 session, please contact us. (Do not be confused by other's so-called
SDIII offerings; they are not the same thing and we have not yet
presented this course.)
Spiral Dynamics 3 is designed for preparation of authorized Spiral Dynamics trainers who will be able to certify their students at the Spiral Dynamics
1 level—the minimum level required to use assessments or conduct authorized training in spiral dynamics. The training is rigorous, because participants who successfully complete the course will be authorized NVC Consulting trainers in Spiral Dynamics and Dr. Graves' work.
Participation in Spiral Dynamics 3 requires certification in our Spiral Dynamics
1 and 2, a minimum of one year's experience in applying the technology and presentation of a case
study above and beyond the requirements of SD2 certification. This case study should apply assessment from the NVC 'warehouse' and demonstrate mastery of Spiral Dynamics and its theoretical underpinnings. Train-the-trainer work and practice instruction will be included.
Students who sign up for Spiral Dynamics 3 will be required to carry out several monthly pre-course assignments with an NVC Consulting mentor. They may select a core competency area for focused, including teambuilding, diversity, human resources, organizational change and transformation, leadership, management, etc. The rigor of the course helps ensure quality of training, mastery of materials and cohesion of theory. Many people are offering their versions of Spiral Dynamics/Graves, but some are also distorting
it horribly. This course will prepare a cadre of experts who can accurately present this point of view, act as regional resources and maintain the integrity of the work as it evolves.
FOCUSED COURSES
NVC Consulting also offers programs that enable participants to apply the principles of Spiral Dynamics in specific settings and
situations.
Spiral Dynamics Corporate Transformation
The Spiral Dynamics Corporate Transformation course, taught by Chris Cowan and Natasha Todorovic, applies Spiral Dynamics theory to practical change and organizational development interventions in the public and private sectors. It addresses issues of assessment as well as methods to structure and implement change. It runs for four days as a freestanding program or for three days as part of a seven-day Spiral Dynamics
1/Spiral Dynamics CT package. Assessments are administered prior to the course.
The hands-on approach begins with a refined awareness of the individual—whether as client or consultant—then shifts focus to explore the dynamics of groups. Corporate Transformation participants look at a range of change methodologies, as well as ways to determining what kind of change is appropriate, how to set strategy and how to move from good ideas to great results.
The basic frame is Spiral Dynamics, of course, but we introduce a wide range of other tools. Corporate Transformation involves a case-study company that participants research and analyze during the course. They generate recommendations based on assessment data, observations and simulations—taking taking theoretical understanding into real-world application.
The program requires a minimum of 12 participants. It can be conducted entirely in-house or as an open seminar in which participants other than employees of the host organization are invited to participate. If your company is interested in participating in Spiral Dynamics Corporate Transformation, please contact us.
Leadership Skills for Managers course
We’ve designed the Leadership Skills for Managers course exclusively for managers in business and other organizations who are ready to make the transition from management to leadership.
Through the insights of Spiral Dynamics, we’ll explore what it takes to build dynamic teams, prepare for change, groom fine managers and identify outstanding leaders. You’ll learn how to inspire employees to higher performance, maximize your positive impact, develop more productive working relationships and really understand people's needs.
You'll learn dozens of practical tips, techniques and tactics to help you develop and customize your leadership approach to meet today’s requirements and tomorrow’s challenges. As you learn how to recognize and respond to the seven leadership needs, you’ll be more than a manager, you’ll become a respected and effective leader. Our expert guidance in Spiral Dynamics will enable you to:
Discover what makes people "tick"
Manage change in a positive, productive way
Learn a new language for individual and organizational transformation
Coach individuals to achieve their potential
Manage conflict so it’s a constructive part of your organization’s culture.
Tap your innate leadership potential to motivate high performance
Employ the proven empowerment techniques of successful manager-leaders
Prepare yourself and your employees for cultural challenges and sensitivities
Develop and communicate a vision for the future that will focus employee efforts
Effectively introduce changes to your company and get the support you need to implement them
Plan for your company's future, spark employee commitment, build hard-working teams and inspire productivity
Take on a leadership role that's critical to your company's ability to produce—and survive
Build teams that enable members to use all of their skills and knowledge
