What stage of adult development are you at?

When I run my Adaptive Teams and Adaptive Leaders program, I take clients through the process of discovering how their ego and identity create their greatest strengths and deepest insecurities, with a view to unlocking new levels of personal effectiveness and fulfilment. It can be equal parts inspiring and confronting, and while not everyone will fully embrace the process, the conversations that unfold deepen trust and connection across the team.

The process is so effective because it taps into stages of adult development. Over the next few months, I’m dedicating my blog to this topic and all the juicy layers it entails. This week we’re starting with a snapshot of the stages of adult development.

We all know children move through distinct developmental stages as they grow. From baby to toddler to child and adolescent, each stage is accompanied by more complex and observable mental and emotional capabilities.

But what about adults? Are there defined stages that we continue to move through as we age? The answer is yes, but they are not as clear cut and many of us don’t progress very far!

Through extensive research, Harvard Psychologist Dr Robert Kegan identified five stages of adult development that centres around how we see ourselves in the world. They are:

• Stage 1 – Impulsive Mind (early childhood)
• Stage 2 – Imperial Mind (adolescence, 6% of adults)
• Stage 3 – Socialised Mind (58% of adults)
• Stage 4 – Self-Authoring Mind (35% of adults)
• Stage 5 – Self-transforming Mind (1% of adults)

The first two stages begin in childhood and adolescence and most people move through them without issue. This is where we make sense of the world through an emphasis on our own needs, interests and agenda. What’s in it for me?

Stages 3-5 kick in once we hit adulthood and we start to expand our sense of self and our understanding of the world.

Stage 3: The Socialised Mind

We’ve outgrown the self-centred adolescent stage and are now more aware and influenced by the ideas, norms and beliefs of external sources –our family, workplace and society. We are concerned with the opinions and expectations of others and our behaviour conforms with the dominant culture. In this stage, we don’t have a strong sense of self and therefore look outside for validation. What do you think of me?

Stage 4: The Self-Authoring Mind

In this stage we can clearly define who we are, rather than being defined by our relationships and environment. We question expectations and values, creating our own sense of authority and voice. Here we are open and willing to explore our thoughts and behaviours and take responsibility for our inner states and emotions. I know who I am.

Stage 5: The Self-Transforming Mind

Only 1% of the adult population reach this stage of development where we are not tied to a particular identity but our sense of who we are is constantly evolving. We have our own opinions and inner authority but are also open to work with the authority of others and question our beliefs. We can hold multiple thoughts and ideologies at once, seeing things from different perspectives. Who I am is constantly evolving. ‍

"Only 1% of the adult population reach this stage of development where we are not tied to a particular identity but our sense of who we are is constantly evolving."

So what stage are you at?

According to Kegan, we all believe we are at a higher state than we actually are. But the important thing to remember is that the path is not linear and it involves a fair amount of back and forth. We are complex beings with varying degrees of self-awareness that can change moment to moment depending on our environment and emotional wellbeing.

Next week I’ll share practical strategies to help you transition into the higher stages of development and how this can benefit you in life and work. Stay tuned!

Can’t wait for next week? Contact me to chat more about how this is playing out in your life.