The Double Healix model offers an integrated perspective on human development, with a particular focus on leadership. We consider leadership first and foremost as personal leadership: the ability to direct one’s own behaviour forms the foundation for working with and leading others, and for raising and coaching children. From this integral approach, we therefore pay close attention to the leader as a person, as well as to... The Double Healix model offers an integrated perspective on human development, with a particular focus on leadership. We consider leadership first and foremost as personal leadership: the ability to direct one’s own behaviour forms the foundation for working with and leading others, and for raising and coaching children. From this integral approach, we therefore pay close attention to the leader as a person, as well as to the team, organisational, and societal contexts in which he or she operates. The model comprises three key components: phases, tension fields, and levels of development. In this introduction, we introduce you to these basic elements. Show More

The phases in the Double Healix model are grounded in narrative psychology and scientific research into the structure of stories. You can find this structure across all mythologies, narratives, novels, and feature films. In this chapter, you will learn how the development of a story (a "narrative") unfolds through the so-called Hero's (or Heroine's) Journey. You will explore the phases that can be discerned in every devel... The phases in the Double Healix model are grounded in narrative psychology and scientific research into the structure of stories. You can find this structure across all mythologies, narratives, novels, and feature films. In this chapter, you will learn how the development of a story (a "narrative") unfolds through the so-called Hero's (or Heroine's) Journey. You will explore the phases that can be discerned in every developmental process. At each step, you are invited to connect the story structure with your own path of development. Show More

The tension fields form the second core element of the Double Healix model. You've already felt their pull throughout the twelve phases of the journey, as each step has its opposite — a counterpart that reveals the dynamic forces at play within you. For example, in the Prologue (phase 1), you subconsciously prepare for the road ahead, while in the opposing phase, Grounding (phase 7), you consciously ready yourself for the... The tension fields form the second core element of the Double Healix model. You've already felt their pull throughout the twelve phases of the journey, as each step has its opposite — a counterpart that reveals the dynamic forces at play within you. For example, in the Prologue (phase 1), you subconsciously prepare for the road ahead, while in the opposing phase, Grounding (phase 7), you consciously ready yourself for the second half of the journey — a phase where major trials lie in wait. In The Call to Adventure (phase 2), you step forward with initiative; in its mirror phase, Reversal of Fortune (phase 8), that initiative slips from your grasp, teaching you how to navigate the depths of powerlessness. In Resistance to Change (phase 3), you cultivate your strength — only to partially dismantle it again in The Dagger (phase 9), making space for something more authentic to emerge. Each of these opposing phases creates a polarity — two ends of a spectrum that form a tension field. Real life rarely exists at the extremes; instead, most situations involve navigating the space in between. These fields reveal the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) forces that shape your growth. In this chapter, we’ll explore all six (plus one) of these tension fields — the dynamic balances that challenge, stretch, and ultimately transform us. Show More

The Double Healix model reveals a powerful framework of development: seven distinct levels — plus one. Why ‘seven plus one’? Because beneath the visible layers of human development lies a hidden foundation, a mythical ‘zero level’ that speaks to something deeper. This level holds a timeless, archetypal narrative — an invisible thread that runs through every life story, across cultures and generations. But what truly sets... The Double Healix model reveals a powerful framework of development: seven distinct levels — plus one. Why ‘seven plus one’? Because beneath the visible layers of human development lies a hidden foundation, a mythical ‘zero level’ that speaks to something deeper. This level holds a timeless, archetypal narrative — an invisible thread that runs through every life story, across cultures and generations. But what truly sets these levels apart? With each step upward, our perspective expands. We don’t just grow — we evolve. We become more aware, more morally grounded, more empathic, and more attuned to the deeper patterns shaping our lives. As our inner world aligns with a broader understanding, life begins to make more sense. It becomes richer, more meaningful, and surprisingly more manageable. Show More

In Chapter 2, we saw how the tension fields intersect. The Double Healix model highlights three such junctions; here, we focus on one in particular—the Power Cross. The Power Cross is important for us all, especially leaders and educators, because influencing behaviour requires reconciling two opposing processes. At the heart of the Power Cross lie two tension fields: equality along the horizontal axis—the level playing... In Chapter 2, we saw how the tension fields intersect. The Double Healix model highlights three such junctions; here, we focus on one in particular—the Power Cross. The Power Cross is important for us all, especially leaders and educators, because influencing behaviour requires reconciling two opposing processes. At the heart of the Power Cross lie two tension fields: equality along the horizontal axis—the level playing field—and hierarchy along the vertical axis—the interplay of top-down direction and bottom-up feedback. Together, these axes form the Power Cross. In this chapter, we explore the Power Cross in depth. Through carefully chosen film examples, you’ll discover how to recognise, apply and balance these intersecting forces at every level of development. Use the questions and exercises provided to apply the insights of the Power Cross to your own life. Show More