Coaching

We’re back with more about how to transition from one stage of vertical development (or adult development) to the next. Now, we’re focusing on the post-conventional phases. Post-conventional means these stages have the common characteristic of shedding some societal norms and expectations. This may look like letting go of stories we’ve always told about ourselves…

When we’re looking for solutions to our limitations and conflicts or we realize our beliefs are no longer serving us, it may be time to challenge ourselves to purposely move to the next stage of adult development. If you’ve read a bit about adult development, you know that there are stages past yours that may…

While we can’t skip stages, we often go back to earlier stages, and sometimes we take on the state of another stage without fully embodying it. Key Takeaways: No skipping the line: We can’t skip vertical development stages – think of the framework like tree rings, where the outer rings can’t exist without the inner…

VUCA helps us define how complex our modern world has become. Vertical development allows leaders to deal with the ongoing complexity crisis. Key Takeaways: The term VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity and helps us understand our modern world Vertical development is a requirement for leaders because how they think becomes more important…

Limiting beliefs can get in the way of desired results and outcomes. Here’s how to see them, understand them, and address them. Key Takeaways: It is possible to change limiting mindsets by focusing on beliefs and emotions, in addition to behaviors Three ways to address limiting beliefs: Unmaking and remaking beliefs Recognizing that a belief…

The sixth and seventh stages of vertical development are when leaders can expand their capacity and handle a complex world.  Key Takeaways: Strategists are on more solid ground than those in the Redefining stage and have a fuller view of themselves.  They can take on multiple perspectives and prioritize them.  The Strategist stage is most…

The fifth stage of vertical development is where people move from conventional to post-conventional thinking, questioning just about everything. Key Takeaways: The Redefining stage is all about self-questioning, upending tradition and beliefs, and finding solutions that work better for us and match our values  Advantages of this stage include appreciating other perspectives, questioning systems that…

Stage four of vertical development, the Achiever, is defined by productivity, controlling outcomes, and burnout. Key Takeaways: Achievers identify with the Western culture ideal of working hard, being productive, and improving outcomes Qualities of Achievers include their collaboration skills, drive, and outcome-driven perspective Limitations of Achievers include getting burned out quickly, being emotionally unavailable, and…