| Abstract: | Adult development is becoming a critical component of an organization's effectiveness in our rapidly changing world (Torbert, 1987). While transitions in adulthood have been shown to be inevitable and patterned, they do not necessarily result in personal growth. In this exploratory study, data were collected from 64 men and women experiencing midlife transitions. Several factors were identified (scope of transition, progression through a transition sequence, ego development, inner directedness, and commitment to learning) which enabled growth during the midlife transition in the form of a personal paradigm shift. Positive emotional tone as well as enthusiasm for career were found to be consequences of these paradigm shifts. Implications for organizations are discussed. |
