Vertical Development

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…

The third stage of vertical development, the Expert, focuses on perfecting skills and being really good in their domain. These are key players for many organizations but face their own limitations. Key Takeaways An Expert is the master of one specific area, and 40% of adults reside in this stage They’re really good in their…

Learn the characteristics, advantages and limitations of the two earliest vertical development stages – Opportunist and Conformer – and how they fit into the workplace. Key Takeaways Opportunists are self-focused and know how to get what they want and need Conformers identify with the beliefs and opinions of a group and may not be aware…

Vertical development recognizes 7 stages of personal growth that help leaders mentally and emotionally prepare to guide organizations and themselves through an ever more complex world  Key Takeaways: The 7 main stages of vertical development Opportunist Conformer Achiever Expert Redefining Strategist Alchemist The traditional approach to leadership development has been to focus on what people…