When we think about Leadership Development, it’s like an iceberg.
People typically focus on ‘what we know’, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills—this is what is referred to as horizontal development. It’s akin to looking at the top of the iceberg that is above the waterline.
What we see here is an increase in competency within the existing level of Conscious Leadership. If the capacity of that way of operating were a cup, then horizontal development would be akin to filling that cup to its brim.
However, you could go out to the iceberg and take a photo, and in reality, it’s only about 10% of the iceberg. The true majesty of the iceberg is at its base.
It doesn’t matter how strong or in what direction the wind is blowing at the top of the iceberg; the iceberg will always move in the direction of its base, even if it’s in the opposite direction to the wind at the top.
And that’s true when it comes to horizontal development. In fact, the conversation about horizontal development is quite shallow.
The more meaningful and important conversation centres on what’s going on below the waterline. What does the real foundation of value look like at the base of the iceberg?
Immediately below the waterline is a sometimes less tangible part of the conversation: results.
From the perspective of Leadership Development, the real results that matter are Leadership Confidence, Personal Fulfilment, and Adaptable Resilience.
The catalyst for these results comes from ‘how we know’—our sense-making. This is the essence of vertical development, a Conscious Leadership journey that explores how we think, our beliefs, perspectives, and the narratives shaping our lives.
Returning to the cup analogy, vertical development expands the cup itself, allowing you to hold much more, thus transforming your capacity to lead effectively in any circumstance.
Let’s just think about those results. Imagine what it would mean for you to have Soaring Leadership Confidence, Profound Personal Fulfilment, and Unflappable Adaptable Resilience. What would that feel like?
While those three results are critically important, it’s not really just about those three outcomes.
From our experience, we have found a vertical development journey towards transformational leadership will not only transform your leadership and organisation but also your entire life. What would that be like?
In summary, while horizontal development helps in acquiring skills and knowledge, vertical development, a Conscious Leadership journey, dives deeper to uncover your true potential, ensuring lasting and impactful transformation in your leadership and your entire life.
If you are interested in pursuing your own vertical development towards transformational leadership, consider exploring our Conscious Leadership Coaching service.
Two Percent Shift 