Meet Dr. Graves

NVCC's SPIRAL DYNAMICS® programs are based on the theories, models, and work of Dr. Graves. The following encapsulates our approach: "The psychology of the mature human being is an unfolding, emergent, oscillating, spiraling process marked…

Are You Invisible…

It is surprising just how invisible people are to one another. We observe this with clients, in training, and in discussions with people about those around them. While the bodies are visible, their inner workings, needs, processing, worldviews,…

Getting stuck in traits

Sometimes color-based generalizations go too far and turn into simplistic stereotypes and glib labels for dividing elites from lesser persons. This is one reason why we focus our students’ attention on Graves’s two-part letter-pair designations…

How does intelligence relate to this theory?

Intelligence doesn't relate very well at all. It's very hard even to define intelligence in a meaningful way. Howard Gardner's work probably best explains the concept as it describes and legitimizes at least nine 'intelligences' that include…

Engagement, SD Style…

Engagement impacts performance and bottom line results profoundly, yet today only 29% of employees are engaged and a mere 10% are highly engaged in most organizations. Any wonder there is such obsession with building and enhancing engagement?…

Don’t Shout “Meme!” in a Crowded Theatre

It’s official. Memes are incendiary. Scholar Susan Blackmore recently had the unusual experience of a mass walk-out from a lecture on memes. She was in Oxford, that ancient city, seat of learning, where she’d expected open inquiry and free…

Six areas for applying Spiral Dynamics

Organizational realignment and restructuring The success or failure of any organization depends on its ability to meet the challenges of growth and change. NVCC helps organizations assess who they are and whom they serve, who their major competitors…

What Is Your Biggest Problem?

What is your biggest problem? You know, the one that sucks your time, energy and attention; the one you’d dearly love to solve. If it were easy to fix, you would have done it by now, wouldn’t you? But it’s still there. You’ve looked…

The Organizational Danger of ‘Invisible’ People

It is surprising just how invisible people are to one another. While the bodies are visible, their inner thoughts, needs, worldviews, and intentions are often hidden. The new hire full of enthusiasm nevertheless feels invisible to the long-time…

Deciphering the Secret to Engagement

Engagement impacts performance and bottom-line results profoundly, yet today only 29% of employees say they are engaged in most organizations, and a mere 10% are highly engaged. Any wonder there is such obsession with building and enhancing…