The five kinds of tribes that we form

David Logan explains the five kinds of tribes that people form. Dr. Logan is the Associate Dean and Executive Director of Executive Development, and Associate Professor of Clinical, at USC’s Marshall School of Business.

David Logan shares research that identifies the 5 Stages of a Tribe — with “tribes” defined as groups of 20 to 150 people that in one way or another “do life” together. Perhaps through work, through neighbourhood, through acitivites, or through affinity. The notion is bit different from Seth Godin’s definition of the tribe but the research and grouping makes sense and applies to all of us.

The 5 Stages Logan identifies:

Stage 1: Life Sucks! — When people form tribes around their common disdain for life.

Stage 2: My Life Sucks! — When people form tribes around their common hatred of their own lives or situations.

Stage 3: I’m great; you’re not. — The most abundant tribal form, common in executive offices, bowling teams and Neighborhood parties…anytime people gather around some common quality or experience but focus their energy on comparison & competition with other tribe members.

Stage 4: We’re great! — When people transcend individualism and see themselves as a part of a positive thriving cooperative community.

Stage 5: Life is great! — When Stage 4 tribes move past the awesomeness of their own community to focus on creating beauty in the world. These tribes, says Logan, represent only about 2% of all tribes on earth and are the ones that create the most positive change in the world.