Context Visualization

The Stages of Discourse map seeks to analyze and understand the styles and strategies of interpersonal communication at various developmental altitudes (simplified as Dictate, Doctrine, Debate, Dialogue, Discourse, and Dialectic).

Each stage of development prefers specific communication styles and strategies, and by understanding these preferences, individuals can better identify the developmental stage of the people they are interacting with. This awareness allows for more skillful responses that are more attuned to the developmental depth of all parties involved. This map also serves as a self-reflective tool, helping individuals to recognize their own communication styles and remind them to communicate from the highest developmental stage available to them.

Stages of Development and Communication Styles

Red (Self-Centric): Dictate – Dominated by directives, commands, and personal power.

Amber (Group-Centric): Doctrine – Guided by group norms and traditional values.

Umber (Skill-Centric): Debate – Competitive discourse focused on logical argumentation.

Orange (Self-Determining): Dialogue – Mature conversation emphasizing openness, empathy, and shared understanding.

Green (Self-Questioning): Collaborative Discourse – Deeply empathetic communication valuing diversity and consensus-building.

Teal (Self-Actualizing): Dialectic – Integration of opposing viewpoints to achieve higher-order syntheses.

Aspects Analyzed for Each Stage

Communication Purpose
Approach to Communication
View of Opposition
Handling of Conflict
Approach to Resolution
Decision-Making Process
Values in Discourse
Outcome Orientation

Inclusive Skill Development

The map includes practices to further develop communication skills at each developmental stage, promoting growth and understanding in interpersonal interactions.

By delineating these stages and their associated communication styles and attributes, the Stages of Discourse map serves as a valuable tool for individuals and organizations to navigate conversations effectively, fostering deeper understanding and facilitating communication from higher stages of development.

Note: These Context Maps are in many cases works in progress, and may be updated over time.