Vertical Development: What It Is and Why You Need It

We have observed a troubling trend over the last decade (and particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic): the accelerating rate of complexity that organizations are facing has outpaced the development of organizations’ leaders. This is observed by research stated in Training that indicates (1) 71% of organizations do not feel their leaders are able to lead their organization into the future, and (2) 75% of organizations say their leadership development programs are not very effective. The truth is that most leadership development programs focus on helping their leaders “tool up” (i.e., horizontal development), but this is only incrementally helpful. Organizations need to help their leaders “level up” (i.e., vertical development). In this session, Ryan Gottfredson will explain what vertical development is and why you need it.