Robert Kegan, Professor at Harvard University is a world leading expert on adult development and co-author of a ground breaking book – “Immunity to Change”. He was recently in Australia and deliberatepractice had the opportunity to participate in a workshop exploring his research. Professor Kegan’s work has included significant research into the neuroplasticity of the brain, in effect the ability of the brain to develop well beyond the adolescent development phase and right throughout adulthood. His research and findings have incredibly exciting consequences for the future development of organisations and adult competence and he and his peers will continue to influence the future of the human resources profession enormously.
To explain Professor Kegan’s work in a few paragraphs is a difficult task, so if you wish to delve deeper in to this topic there are numerous sources to assist (references below). When considering organisational development and leadership capability, his research into the development of mind and the “orders of consciousness” opens up new opportunities for leading organisations. As an overview:
- Order 0 is the initial state of consciousness and occurs in newborns. In this state everything sensed is an extension of the infant, and by the time the infant reaches their 2nd birthday they move into a new state, Order 1, where they realise they have control over their own reflexes and that there are other objects outside of themselves.
- The 2nd Order of Consciousness sees individuals become more logical and structured in their thinking and with their emotions. They interact better with other people, relating to their individual characteristics.
- The 3rd Order of Consciousness, the “Socialised Mind”, is realised when our ‘self’ is developed via the influence of society and our surrounds – this state is often achieved through adolescence and into early adulthood.
- The next state is the 4th Order of Consciousness and this is referred to as the “Self Authoring Mind”. In this state we are able to step back and generate an internal seat of judgement so our self coheres by its alignment with its own belief system and its own ability to self regulate.
- The highest state, the 5th Order of Consciousness is referred to as the “Self-Transforming Mind”. It is a state that is only attained by approximately 8% of the population and typically occurs around mid 30s or later, if at all. In this state, individuals see beyond themselves, others, and systems of which they are a part and develop an understanding of how all people and systems interconnect.
The Opportunity for Leading Organisations
Organisations today work in an ever-increasing, complex environment. Leaders must manage their business operations in a world where new technologies render old technologies obsolete in a fraction of the time when compared to 10 years ago; Where labour markets are no longer beholden to the local demands for talent, but where challenge and opportunity is presented by the globalisation of workforces; Regulation by governments and political changes abroad ensure that compliance to dynamic laws and management of government relations become not only fundamental to the success of the business, but in many cases, critical to future survival.
Imagine if your leaders present with the ability to work collaboratively, positively and to achieve mutual benefit with even the most challenging of adversaries. Your leaders may also engage their leadership group to achieve the seemingly impossible goals, to work cross-functionally, across geography and demography, navigating through cultural and political sensitivities with finesse. These leaders may exhibit traits of reflection, authority, patience, empathy and decisiveness, focus and commitment. Some may call this leader wise. Imagine the impact these leaders could have on the future of your business and your people.
Organisations that recognise the potential of this higher order of consciousness and engage leaders that can effectively harness the opportunities garnered by the ever-increasing complexity of our planet will thrive into the future.
deliberatepractice are experts at recruiting, assessing and engaging leadership. To discuss further, please call 1300 deliberate.
Ref 1 – http://cgi.stanford.edu/~dept-ctl/tomprof/posting.php?ID=1110
Ref 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW4LTqRJDW8
Ref 3 – http://www.rsablogs.org.uk/tag/robert-kegan/
