Core themes

Core themes in my work

I describe my overall approach to working in organisations as developmental. By this I mean that I am primarily concerned with how to help support the natural processes of development within individuals, teams and organisations and that I am constantly seeking to deepen understanding of the processes of development from a number of different perspectives and show how more situationally appropriate interventions can take place if they are informed by this understanding. In exploring this theme for the last ten years I have been drawn to three core approaches which now form the cornerstones to my thinking and practice.

These are; (i) the Integral philosophy of Ken Wilber which provides an holistic map of the overall territory, (ii) the field of developmental psychology which includes developmental models such as Spiral Dynamics and the Leadership Development Framework and (iii) Psychosynthesis, a psycho-spiritual psychology which explores the inner psychological processes of change and development. Below I explore each of these core approaches and attempt to explain why each is so valuable to a developmental approach. I then touch on two other core themes in my work, which most organisational consultants and coaches come across in practice all the time, but in my view have not been given enough critical thought - leadership profiling and cultural diagnosis. Finally I introduce and explore a model I am developing of core psychological processes. I am sure I will add to these themes over time, but these currently form the focus of my professional development work.

Integral model

Developmental approach

Psycho-spiritual psychology

Personality and leadership profiling

Cultural change diagnosis

Core psychological process in development

© Aubyn Howard 2006