
Out of
the Box Coaching and
Breakthroughs with the Enneagram,
Mary R. Bast, Ph.D.
Copyright © 1999.
All rights reserved. Revised:
July 21, 2010
Break Out of the Box
First-Order (Single-Loop) Change refers to solving a problem by doing something better. You've tried this and may have learned new skills and capabilities, but without examining or challenging your underlying beliefs and assumptions:

Second-Order (Double-Loop) Change refers to stepping outside your current perspective, examining your frame of reference, and doing something different. To take this step, you ask what assumptions and patterns have kept the same problems cropping up over and over, fundamentally reframe your worldview, and become less habit-driven, more open, and increasingly self-aware:

Transformational (Triple-Loop) Change will occur as second-order change creates a shift in your point of view. All your patterns will come into question. This change may happen gradually or all of a sudden. But you will never be the same:
Out of the Box Coaching leads to transformational change.