ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the complexity and perspective-taking capacity of each mindset—the ways in which each mindset makes different meaning in interaction with the world, and thus creates a different world. Constructivism and developmentalism have been the two “big ideas” influencing almost every facet of intellectual life for over a century. Constructive-developmental theory claims that teams are a collection of diverse mindsets—mindsets being the distinct and unique logic systems with which adults make sense of their experience. The usefulness of constructive-developmental theory for team coaches lies in the awareness of its potential. The chapter discusses meaning-making and the implications for team coaching. Conflict is necessary for high performance, so one of the most pressing questions for a developmentally astute team coach is how to support the team to maximize their diversity and collective resources. A team coach with the capacities will recognize and honor the unique value that each mindset brings to the group.
