Beyond Spiral Dynamics: Modern Levels of Consciousness (Level 3 Deep Dive)

Spiral Dynamics gained popularity 30 years ago, particularly after the publication of the book “Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership, and Change” in 1996. Since then, the original model has become less relevant as time goes on.

In our previous article, we took a deep dive into how Spiral Dynamics’ “stage 2—Purple: Tribal Mode” contrasts with the modern version of “Level 2: Connector.” This time, we will shift our focus to the comparison between “Level 3: Opportunist” in the Modern Levels of Consciousness and “stage 3—Red: Power Mode” as defined in Spiral Dynamics.

In Spiral Dynamics, “stage 3—Red: Power Mode” is characterized by “a strong focus on power, dominance, and assertiveness. This stage is marked by a pronounced sense of individualism. Individuals at this stage seek to assert their will, often using force or intimidation to achieve their goals. There is a tendency toward aggression and competition as people strive to establish their authority and influence over others. Decision-making is frequently driven by immediate desires and emotions rather than long-term considerations. This stage embodies a heroic individualism, where personal strength is paramount, often leading to a “might makes right” mentality. Relationships are often transactional, with little regard for the feelings or needs of others. Overall, “stage 3—Red: Power Mode” is about the pursuit of power and the assertion of self in what is perceived as a competitive and hostile world.”

The Modern Levels describes “Level 3: Opportunist” as a level of personal growth centered on self-empowerment and personal power. Individuals at this level openly express their opinions and overt needs, prioritize their own well-being, and make choices that serve their interests, believing that if they don’t put themselves first, no one else will. They strive to break free from dependent relationships, command that people recognize their own worth, and take risks to meet their needs, even if it affects their relationships with others.

For that reason, this level can also lead to impulsive actions and may be perceived as selfish. People at this level feel that no one cares about their feelings or needs, which motivates them to advocate strongly for themselves and focus on their own desires. Their perspective is shaped by a subconscious sense that many people around them also operate at Level 3, even if they are not consciously aware of these levels nor how their worldview is influenced by this level of consciousness.

This unspoken understanding reinforces their belief that prioritizing their own needs is necessary, as they perceive that others are doing the same. Although they may not openly acknowledge it, they perceive others as equally empowered and subconsciously fear being dominated by them. As a result, they often feel defensive and may respond by attacking or complaining about others to boost their self-confidence and gain a sense of control over their environment, tearing others down in order to build themselves up.

“Level 3: Opportunist” is a developmental stage where people can become stuck as their default level of consciousness, and there are valid reasons for this. Transitioning from “Level 2: Connector,” it becomes essential to develop self-worth, establish boundaries, find one’s voice, and prioritize self-expression. This focus on oneself and an ego-centered worldview is necessary for functioning in a healthier way compared to the more dependent mindset of “Level 2: Connector.”

On the surface, “Level 2: Connector” and “Level 3: Opportunist” people may seem very different and even opposite from each other, but they are not as far apart as they appear within a psychological context. Both types are subconsciously using strategies they believe will help them meet their needs. “Level 2: Connector” individuals tend to approach this in a kinder and gentler way, which often helps them get what they want from others. In contrast, with “Level 3: Opportunist” individuals, their intentions are more straightforward, so you know where you stand with them.

With “Level 2: Connector” people, you typically only gain insight into their thoughts and feelings when they start to feel controlled, taken advantage of, or cornered. At that point, they usually express resentment for not having communicated their suppressed needs, projecting that frustration onto others and blaming them for not understanding. This reaction is similar to how “Level 3: Opportunist” people express themselves, but Level 2 people only do so when they can no longer tolerate holding back.

This can catch those around them, especially Level 3s, by surprise, because 3s assume that everyone is empowered enough to voice their needs. Level 2s often expect others to intuitively grasp their feelings and needs, even if they haven’t directly communicated them. As a result, both levels may eventually express themselves in similar ways, but Level 2s tend to have a higher tolerance for suppressing their feelings until they can no longer hold back. When they finally do speak up, they do indeed prioritize their own needs, even at the risk of damaging relationships, much like 3s. This is why Level 3 is considered a higher stage of development, even though many people are drawn to the more accommodating nature of 2 individuals, who often exhibit people-pleasing behaviors and come across as being genuinely nicer.

Hence, “Level 3: Opportunist” highlights the importance of developing the ability to “assert themselves, find their voice, and a sense of personal agency.” Level 3 acknowledges that prioritizing “their own needs” and making “decisions that benefit themselves” are a key part of breaking free from Level 2’s common patterns of codependency within imbalanced or unhealthy relationship dynamics.

While the Modern Levels recognizes the potential for impulsive tendencies, selfishness, and destruction of bonds, it also emphasizes the development of self-value, boundaries, and self-empowerment. The “Modern Levels” framework places Level 3 within a clear developmental context. It’s not just about being “powerful” or “aggressive”; it’s about the process of developing a sense of self and autonomy.

This outlook allows for deeper understanding about what Level 3 people are doing and why, recognizing that the behaviors of this level are often attempts to establish healthy boundaries and meet previously unmet needs. It explores the shift from being “other-oriented” (Level 2) to being “self-oriented,” the need to assert their views and desires, and the experience of feeling controlled by others, the “ability to take risks,” which are essential for future success and self-actualization. This outlook frames the challenges of this level as “Level 2 lessons” that Level 3 is trying to overcome.

The Modern Level description avoids pathologizing the behaviors of Level 3. Recognizing that even “selfishness” and “impulsivity” can serve a developmental purpose. This approach is more constructive and less judgmental than simply labeling individuals as being in a “bad” or “negative” stage. This growth-oriented way of seeing is more empowering and optimistic, recognizing that people at this level are not inherently “bad” but are in a process of development.

The Modern Levels description of Level 3 offers a more nuanced, developmentally grounded, and psychologically rich understanding of this stage compared to Spiral Dynamics’ “stage 3—Red: Power Mode.” It moves beyond a simple focus on power and dominance and instead into exploring the important process of developing a self-identity, ego, and autonomy.

The Modern Levels framework encourages us to look beyond simple labels like “selfish” or “aggressive” when analyzing Level 3 behavior.

It prompts us to consider the underlying motivations, such as:

➤ A desire to overcome feelings of powerlessness
➤ A need to establish personal boundaries
➤ A drive to achieve independence and self-sufficiency

This integrative approach offers a more holistic and comprehensive focus on individual development and conscious evolution that is more modern than previous holistic models in the past. It illustrates how the challenges faced at Level 2, such as codependency and a lack of self-assertion, pave the way for the emergence of Level 3. Additionally, it highlights how the limitations of Level 3 motivate the transition to Level 4.

In the next deep dive, we will explore the modern understanding of “Level 4: Higher Calling” in comparison to Spiral Dynamics’ “stage 4—Blue: Conventional Mode.”

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