Growing vertically as a leader enables Better Business

Have you heard about Vertical Leadership Development? It goes beyond traditional executive coaching methods and traditional leadership education – and focuses on expanding your mindset. You can learn more on Forbes, in Journal of Values Based Leadership, in Journal of Leadership Education, in Integral Review, and in Harvard Business Review.

Why it should be of interest to you? Leaders on a higher level of vertical development have been proven to be considerably more successful in orchestrating organization-wide transformations, as well as coping with a VUCA world. You could become one of those with the right coaching and support on the way.

The vertical development journey can simply be described as an evolution from a conventional to a post-conventional mindset. With a post-conventional mindset you are able to hold many points of view; you are open to alternative perspectives; you see the whole system; you can anticipate change; and you can operate in conditions of ambiguity. And more.

Image: Journal of Leadership Education (2020) 

Vertical Leadership Development is different to the more traditional horizontal leadership development that dominate the leadership development scene and narrative. Horizontal leadership development – the more traditional approach – is characterized by skill building and adding competences, and on doing what we are already doing even better. Vertical development is rather a personal evolutionary journey characterized by growing mindset agility and supporting strategic thinking – and growing the capacity to lead in a dynamic, complex and uncertain world.

Table: Forbes (2020) and Journal of Leadership Education (2020)

I have found that Vertical Leadership Development is an important key to help open-minded and forward-thinking leaders elevate their perspectives, increase their positive impact, and move beyond business as usual. Ultimately to build a better business and a better future.

This is vital, because good business is simply good for business, and seriously needed in solving the world’s wicked problems. And you as a business leader is crucial in this transformation. By growing vertically, providing purpose, direction and resources, you can contribute to meaning, purpose-led transformation, growth – and even help enhancing the wellbeing of both people and planet, while future proofing your business.

Curious? You can read more about my approach to Vertical Leadership Development here. You can also learn more about Vertical Leadership Development on Forbes, in Journal of Values Based Leadership, in Journal of Leadership Education, in Integral Review, and in Harvard Business Review.

Elisabet Lagerstedt

Elisabet Lagerstedt is the founder and director of Future Navigators. As a trusted advisor, consultant, and Executive Coach, she helps business leaders navigate beyond business as usual to build Better Business and co-create a better future - through insight, strategy, innovation, and transformation. Elisabet is also the author of Better Business, Better Future (2022) and Navigera in i Framtiden (2018).