While this predicted broadening of perspective on generativity was offered more than 25 years ago, we see little evidence of it appearing in the subsequent literature. We believe that the four role models of generativity being offered in this set of essays begin to fulfill this prediction and potential. Furthermore, we propose that thoughtful (and sometimes provocative) coaching can promote the discovery of generativity (in one or more forms) at any point in their client’s career and life.
Life Drama
The second way in which we use Stage comes from the world of theater. The “stage” is where drama takes place: There is the front of the stage and the back of the stage. There are certainly actors in the spotlight and other actors operating outside the spotlight. And there are some actors off stage. We make extensive use of this meaning of “stage” in part because the psychologist, Erik Eriksen, who was one of the first to write about adult development stages, was himself an actor. He was fully aware of this second way in which the word “stage” can be used.
Throughout this set of essays, we will draw on this analogy to theater and will describe four roles of generativity that can be played by anyone, at any point in their life. While, as McAdams has suggested, a specific expression of generativity might be more commonly found at a particular point in our life because of societal expectations (“social timing” in the words of McAdams), we will argue that anyone can be generative in one way or another at any time in their life—and a professional coach can provide valuable guidance in the discovery of this generative role.
While we don’t deal specifically with cross-cultural comparisons in these essays, the emergence of generativity during various stages in life and in various manifestations might be particularly relevant if adult development in a variety of world cultures is to be explored. Furthermore, it might be particularly important when coaching in many cultures for the coach to keep in mind the differing ways in which generativity is expressed and the different times in life when deep caring is of highest priority.
The Four Deep Caring Roles
In keeping with our use of the theatrical metaphor, we make extensive use of the term “role” as we describe four closely related parts that people play when they care deeply and are being generative. The term “role” is being used because we believe generativity is not just about a particular way of thinking, or about a specific kind of maturation (e. g., a change or improvement in one’s needs, feelings or beliefs). While many developmental researchers focus on thinking or cognitive maturation, we focus on the role played by generativity as an activity or set of activities. A generative role is played out not just when we think about caring or when we need to be more caring; the role of generativity is enacted when we actively participate in deep caring.
The “stage” is the setting in which we engage the generativity role. This role undoubtedly is influenced by changes in the way we think and feel, and the emerging needs and motivations in our mature life. But generativity is more than this. It is about playing a role in relationship to other people. It is about playing a caring role. It is about action, not just thinking good thoughts. It is about feeling gratified in having done something that tangibly benefits people.
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