Leadership is a crucial aspect of any organization. It sets the direction, inspires and guides its members towards achieving the goals and objectives. However, with the ever-changing business landscape and increasing competition, it takes more than traditional leadership approaches to succeed.
This is where horizontal and vertical development come into play. They are two distinct yet complementary forms of development that can elevate organisations and their leadership to new heights.
Understanding Horizontal and Vertical Development
Horizontal development refers to the expansion of an individual’s current capacities and skills, while vertical development focuses on the transformation and growth of one’s mindset, beliefs, and values. In simpler terms, horizontal development is about doing things better, while vertical development is about being better.
In the context of leadership, horizontal development involves gaining new skills and knowledge to improve one’s performance as a leader. This could include attending training programs, taking courses, or acquiring certifications. On the other hand, vertical development focuses on self-awareness and inner growth that enables leaders to think differently and adapt to changing circumstances effectively.
The Importance of Both Forms of Development
It is essential for organizations to invest in both horizontal and vertical development for their leaders. Traditional leadership approaches may have been effective in the past, but in today’s complex business environment, they simply won’t cut it. Let’s delve deeper into why both forms of development are vital.
Staying Relevant
As mentioned earlier, the business landscape is constantly changing, and organizations must keep up with these changes to stay relevant. Horizontal development allows leaders to acquire new skills and knowledge that can help their organization adapt to the changing market and industry trends. At the same time, vertical development enables leaders to have a growth mindset that is necessary for navigating through uncertainty and complexity.
Fostering Innovation
Innovation is critical for any organization to stay ahead of the competition and drive growth. Horizontal development provides leaders with the necessary skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, to foster innovation within their teams. Meanwhile, vertical development helps leaders think outside of the box and challenge conventional thinking, leading to breakthrough ideas and solutions.
Empowering Others
Effective leadership is not just about achieving goals and driving results; it’s also about empowering others to reach their full potential. Horizontal development equips leaders with essential people skills, such as communication, empathy, and collaboration, to build strong relationships and inspire their team members. Vertical development enables leaders to have a deeper understanding of themselves, allowing them to lead authentically and create a positive impact on those they lead.
Leading to New Heights
So, how can organizations take leadership to new heights? The answer lies in a combination of both horizontal and vertical development. By investing in their leaders’ continuous learning and growth, organizations can create a culture of innovation, relevance, and empowerment that will drive success in the ever-changing business landscape.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complex, ever-evolving world of leadership, it’s essential to recognize and learn from those who are leading the charge. Exeleon Magazine’s newly curated list of the 100 Most Dynamic Leaders of 2023 is the perfect resource to do just that. Each individual on this list exhibits a unique blend of horizontal and vertical development, leveraging their skills and mindset to drive innovation, empower others, and lead their organizations towards unprecedented success.
