Chris Cowan

Chris Cowan is a co-author of the book Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership, and Change, which describes a theory of human development and management based on the work of psychologist Clare Graves. He created the color-code which is widely used to identify the systems that represent levels of human existence.

Cowan has been applying this theory world-wide for thirty years in a wide range of organizations across the public and private sectors.

After teaching at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas), he co-founded the National Values Center. He now runs NVC Consulting and ECLET Publishing along with partner, Natasha Todorovic. They offer training in the theory of Dr. Graves and Spiral Dynamics, write articles and books and offer consultancy services. His work focuses on the theoretical foundations of the Gravesian point of view with practical, real-world uses of this broad systems perspective on human nature and change.

Chris Cowan, Natasha Todorovic, and William R. Lee compile and maintain the archives of Clare Graves. ECLET Publishing has released two books about the theory. One is a transcription by Lee titled Graves: Levels of Human Existence. The other is the manuscript Dr. Graves left unfinished and is called The Never Ending Quest. It was completed using Graves's own words by editors Cowan and Todorovic.

The FAQ on the spiraldynamics website is a source of information regarding their approach to Graves and Spiral Dynamics.