The Graves Model Explained by Example - Level 2 The Clan

On the second level - which is called "The Clan" or, in colors, the "Purple Level" - the focus is on the group, the tribe, the family or even the company as a substitute for the family. The desires and needs of the individual play a subordinate role. Purple provides cohesion and the familiar bond of the clan or group. Nepotism is an example of living purple in society. One for all, all for one. Rope teams, but also the mafia. The ancestral gallery, the founding myth, protects and cherishes sacred places, rituals and objects. Associations always have a purple element. Ethnic identities and tribal cultures are likewise. The oldest and best-known purple structure, however, is the family.

Core concepts / values: protection, security, community, tradition, loyalty, respect, fear of new things, group constraints, restrictions

Character: protective, preserving, predictable, superstitious, traditional, passive

Occurrence: in family businesses, gangs, sports teams, organized tribes, groups, clubs, guilds

Dominant Themes: What are the rituals, customs, schedule, seating arrangements? How can you tell it is a group/organization (symbols/uniform)?

All Graves levels at a glance

Purple in Business

Who doesn't know the sentence that stands like an elephant in the room when questions arise about the meaning and purpose of a process or planned changes: We've just always done it this way. When this sentence comes, one thing is certain: purple is at work here. Further characteristics of this level are non-transparent strategies, leaning against everything new, changes or risks and new members or employees are first thoroughly "tested". There may even be acceptance rituals that must be completed before one is considered part of the group. Supervisors are more group spokespersons than group leaders, because there is only one real boss and he or she decides everything without questioning. People who question things are not welcome and at risk being excluded.

Tools: All kinds of rituals like Christmas dinners, company outings, TGIF (thank God it's Friday), company triathlon, etc. Fixed workplaces, dress code or "uniform", code of conduct and etiquette, peer pressure.

Purple in transition to red

The saturation of purple and thus the beginning of the transition process to the next level is reached when

• the confidence gained has been fully integrated into the group and one feels safe enough to leave the comfort zone and
• the urge to put one's own needs in the foreground and to differentiate and distinguish oneself is great enough to break away from the familiar, the group or the family.