User login
Values Level Thinking
Values Level Thinking
Our Values Level thinking help to create the lens through which we view our world. Values Level thinking defines our ability to deal with and adapt to the diverse life conditions in which we exist. You may have noticed that the pace of change across the globe has increased, we live in a far more complex world than we did, say, 50 years ago. Values Level thinking defines how we have or haven't adapted to the change to new environmental conditions. An individuals capacity to adapt to the ever changing and often complex conditions, causes a shift and a development of more complex ways of thinking. Ie The Values Levels. These are not fixed, they come from the individuals capacity to form more abstract and conceptual ways of thinking.
We all have the ability to move through the Values Levels from 1 to 8 and have access to all the Values Levels. However there's no guarantee that we will. Neither is any one Values Level better or worse than another. In stressful times an individual may regress to a previous Values Level. The fact is that Values Levels have to do with the ability of the individual to adapt to the environmental conditions.
This is extremely useful in business, in management, essential in coaching, in your personal development and in relationships.
"I do suggest, however, and this I deeply believe is so, that for the overall welfare of total man’s existence in the world, over the long run of time, higher levels are better than lower levels, and that the prime good of any society’s governing figures should be to promote human movement up the levels of human existence.”
Dr Clare W Graves, Professor of Psychology, Union College Schenectady, USA
Values Level 1:
Focused in on self and survival. Having their own needs met. In today's world examples would be babies and very young children. Also individuals who are suffering with degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s or someone who has extreme drug dependency.
Values Level 2:
Theme is Tribal. The individual follows a strong and dominant leader (who is possibly a Values Level 3). The core values are safety and also security.We still see forms of this Values Level thinking today, where people stick together, the children live down the round from their parents. Or people from the Office who always go to lunch together. It also encompasses rituals, rites and superstitions. Like carrying a lucky charm or even talking to your car or computer.
How does VL 2 perceive other Values Levels?
Sees another Values Level 2 as being "one of us" or possibly "one of them" if they are from a different tribe/group.
Sees a Values Level 3 as the dominant leader who must be obeyed
Values Level 4 as the State or maybe the Government
Values Level 5 as their next master
Values Level 6 are the "do-gooders"
Values Level 3:
Focus is on self and often has a lot of rage associated with it. Self centred and controlling the core values include power, avoiding shame (at all costs), immediate gratification and being respected. Can be seen in the ‘terrible two’s’ or rebellious teenage behaviour. It is also present in business where the business owner wants to crush the competition or in crime where the offender has no regard or awareness for the consequences.
How does VL3 perceive other Values Levels?
Sees a Values Level 2 as a tool that can be used so they can get what they want
Another Values Level 3 is a threat that needs to be overcome
Values Level 4 usually the enemy but definitely authoritarian
Values Level 5 are what a VL3 aspires to be
Values Level 6....well they are lunch!
Values Level 4:
Theme is sacrificing self to be rewarded later. Submissive and following a fixed plan or set of instructions from the Maunal. Which could be the Health & Safety manual or the Bible or the Law. The motivation at this Values Level is "away from" motivated. The person will have a very strong sense of right and wrong, good and bad. They seek order and stability with the corse vlaues being security, justice and morality.
How does VL4 perceive other Values Levels?
Values Level 2 they need to be saved
Values Level 3 they are just bad
Values Level 4 is seen as right - along as they have the same moral code
Values Level 5 self centred, greedy and arrogant
Values Level 6,7,8 are too out there and "away with the fairies"
Values Level 5:
Theme is individual with a strong personal drive and motivation. They are popular and they want to win but it's ok for you to win too. At this Values Level the person has lots of energy and is using a "towards” motivation strategy. This is the Entrepreneur - very aspirational with a desire to succeed and enjoy material possessions. This person wants to be in control of their own destiny and the core values at Values Level 5 are around creativity, success and achievement.
How does VL5 perceive other Values Levels?
Values Level 2 are viewed as a possible resource that can be exploited
Values Level 3 are dangerous!
Values Level 4 are rigid, inflexible and too bureaucratic
Another Values 5 is either a competitor or someone to aspire too
Values Level 6 don't get it or see how it's important to their personal success
Values Level 7 & 8 make things far too complicated
Values Level 6:
A more spiritual approach to the world. Where the focus in on consensus, agreement and being involved in a group. This Values Level is about healing thy self, finding inner peace and connection. The core values are about setting the human spirit free, equality and fairness. Putting an end to racism, poverty or chauvinistic ways are also present in this mode of thinking.
How does VL6 perceive other Values Levels?
Views Values Level 2 as marvellous communities that we should value
Values Level 3 either need to be educated in new ways of behaving or they need to be saved
Values Level 4 are biased, unfair and authoritarian.
Values Level 5 are the ones damaging the planet
Other Values Level 6's are enlightened
Values Level 7 are insensitive
Values Level 8 are ok
Values Level 7:
An individually oriented point of view where the person is self-motivated, expressive, spontaneous and can deal with complex paradoxes without cognitive strain. They were everyone as interesting. Great flexibility, functionality and personal freedom exist at this Values Level. Uncomfortable Values Level 7 thinkers can leave a situation to find one that suits their functional and competent thinking in a win-win situation.
Values Level 8:
The individual thinks and acts globally. They are seeking spirituality and to unify living systems while recognising the possible need to sacrifice self and others as may be required for the overall survival of life. At this Values Level the individual seeks to end disease, war, poverty, hunger and political oppression.
This is vital knowledge for you and forms a critical component of our advanced NLP Master Practitioner Certification Training.
By understanding Values Level Thinking you will
Be aware of how different parts of any business or organisation may be operating out of different Value Levels.
You'll be able to adjust your approach to ensure you get results with your Coaching clients or within your Company team.
Better understand the detail and the finer points of your relationships.
Improve your levels of achievement and success by understanding your Values Levels Thinking
Appreciate that in times of stress, tension or another significant change within the context / environment cause people to regress to an earlier Values Level and how to respond and/or assist them.
