Effective Graves2/Graves3 communication demonstrated through a quote from Star Trek Enterprise
"Less than a month ago, Captain Archer stood in the High Council chamber on Q'onos. The Chancellor himself called him a man of honor – a brother. …. They are in his debt! You would demonstrate wisdom and honor should you comply with his request."
Understanding the Graves Model
The Graves Model (after Prof. Clare Graves 1914-1986) is a value meta-model, a developmental model for personality unfolding and for the evolution of cultures and organizations.
Communication Analysis
This quote from Star Trek Enterprise perfectly demonstrates how communication works at the Graves2 and Graves3 levels:
Graves 2 - Tribal Consciousness
- Emphasis on group belonging
- "Brother" - familial metaphors
- Loyalty and debt as motivators
- Tradition and ancestral respect
Graves 3 - Power and Dominance
- Hierarchy: "The Chancellor himself"
- Honor as status symbol
- Demonstrating wisdom through strength
- Respect through power position
Practical Application in Business Context
This type of communication is also found in modern organizations, especially in:
- Family businesses: Where tradition and personal relationships are central
- Hierarchical structures: Where titles and position carry weight
- Sales organizations: Where competition and status motivate
- Early-stage startups: Where the "we-feeling" drives success
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