Keeping our heads above water: applying Kegan’s ‘orders of consciousness’ theory in coaching

This article proposes that an understanding of Kegan’s ‘orders of consciousness’ theory can help executive coaches particularly when working with clients during periods of organisational change. The proposition is illustrated by examples from the field, indicating that the coach can create an environment which effectively supports the client’s transition to a new sense of self by actively considering the client’s existing order of consciousness. This sense of self, separate from the client’s interpretation of and reactions to their experience, is needed so that the client can function effectively in our fast changing culture, which demands that we be self-directing both as learners and as workers.