Susanne Cook-Greuter summary

Being

Human

Wisdom Systems view and holistic understanding seeing different dynamics and perspectives Increasing interdependence and maturity, desconstruction of boundaries towards a conscious union

Knowledge Increasing independence, clearly defined boundaries Predicting, measuring and explaining through discovering patterns, rules and laws

Ego Development Theory

Susanne Cook-Greuter (1985)

Impulsive

Similar to Loevinger's theory, individuals in this stage are driven by immediate needs and lack a well-defined sense of self. They are primarily focused on self-preservation and have limited self-awareness

Post-conventional 15 - 20% of the adult population

Unitive

The Unitive stage involves a profound sense of interconnectedness, spiritual awareness, and unconditional love, transcending egoic boundaries and operating from a non-dual perspective, seeking harmony and unity in all aspects of life. Individuals within this stage embrace the interconnected nature of reality. They may engage in practice such as meditation, mindfulness and contemplation to expand their consciousness.

Strategist/ Self-actualising

Individuals in this stage develop a holistic and integrated worldview. They have a flexible and creative mindset, capable of handling complexity and paradoxes. They value systemic thinking, ethical considerations, and long-term sustainability.

Diplomat/ Group-centric

At this stage, individuals value social harmony, conformity, and maintaining relationships. They seek consensus and avoid conflict. They may struggle with their own identity and prioritize fitting in and maintaining external harmony.

Pluralist/ Self-questioning

At this stage, individuals value inclusivity, tolerance, and multiple perspectives. They appreciate diversity and seek to understand different viewpoints. They are open to ambiguity and complexity and prioritize collaboration and cooperation.

Achiever/ Self-determined

Individuals value success, goal attainment, and personal accomplishment. They are ambitious, motivated, and driven to achieve external markers of success. They have a strong sense of responsibility and may prioritize work over other aspects of life.

Conventional 75 - 85% of the adult population

Magician/ Construct-aware

This stage represents a significant shift in ego development. Individuals develop intuition, systems thinking and embrace complexity. They have appreciation for ambiguity, paradoxes and finding creative solutions to problems seeing beyond linear cause and effect relationships to see interconnectedness. Individuals look beyond themselves to also focus on collective transfromation.

Expert/ Skill-centric

Individuals in this stage value objectivity, logic, and expertise. They strive for competence, mastery, and being seen as knowledgeable. They have a strong desire for certainty and tend to rely on data and evidence to make decisions.

Optimist/ Self-centric

Individuals in this stage begin to develop a sense of self as separate from others. They strive for personal power, control, and recognition. They may have a rigid worldview and rely on external validation and authority.