Level Two Clues – Does it hold up?

You may have heard me talk in the past — or recently — about The Four Levels of Maturity model. I’ve been talking about it for a long time, because it holds up!

In a nutshell:

Level 4 is the generous level where problem solving takes place and self-awareness is the highest.

Level 3, which we work to normalize, is characterized by cooperative teamwork where everyone pays attention to how their actions affect and intersect with others. 

At level 2, because we’re usually technically correct, we risk being judgmental, self-righteous, and distant.

Level 1 is where rule-breaking selfish behaviors occur, but that’s not usually our downfall – it’s level 2, where we follow the rules and deliver on our promises – but nothing more.

Seven years ago in a blog post called A Laundry List of “Level Two” Clues I provided specific examples of what we call “level 2 behaviors.” I think these still hold up. Especially, I still hear variations on:

• That’s just the way they are.
• I see no point in trying to get along with them.
• That’s just the way I am – you’ll get used to it.

Unfortunately, the mindsets of “making it even” and “I’ll show you respect once you show me respect” definitely live on. But an invitation to Level 3 can still be an effective solution. This post holds up.

Give it a shot!

~ Alan