Vertical Development

Are you tired of reading management books full of textbook examples and the seven keys you need to be a good leader? Or how to drive change and transformation by following ten simple steps? Are you bored of books that churn out the same advice on how to improve yourself?

I hope this book will give you something different. Over my working life, I have known the power of story-telling. And this is what this book is – me telling my story. You’ll get my honest learnings and observations on leadership, culture, driving transformation, and, not least, personal development. As a senior professional with more than 20 years of work experience, I can tell you that I haven’t just learnt my most valuable lessons in the office, but through all the different areas of my life, which I also share here.

I say ‘honest’ because in no way am I perfect. I have managed some situations well but I could have done much better in others. I share times when I have patted myself on the back for a job well done and times when others have too. I talk about times when I have been disappointed in myself and in others, and they in me – when I have made mistakes or taken my eye off the ball. It is human to fail, but only by acknowledging and reflecting on those times have I been able to learn and grow – indeed, to grow ‘vertically’.

My life isn’t more interesting than others’ lives or more worthy of having a book written on it, but I have had the opportunity to see and experience things many have not. Through the book, I share my personal experiences, observations, and learnings as I encountered them . I particularly share situations that taught me something valuable and caused me to grow vertically. Many learnings are interweaved through the narrative, but I have structured the book into five parts, which would ideally be read as a whole.

Part 1 looks at the topic of change, which I experienced both personally and professionally. Many people see change as a threat, but change is one of the few inevitable things in life. By understanding the emotions and reactions that are triggered by change in you and others, you can better manage it. I also touch on risks – taking risks and managing change are interdependent.

Part 2 covers culture, especially the differences that exist between what is considered right and wrong behaviour in different countries. I share some of the key elements of cultural understanding and how being mindful of these upfront will help you avoid some of the mistakes I made.

Part 3 focuses on transformation. This covers the transformation – professionally and personally – that you need to go through in order to adapt to and operate effectively in the new and unfamiliar environment you find yourself in. But also, this section of the book looks at the transformational change that an organisation, at times, needs to go through in order to survive in a given business environment and the complexity embedded in orchestrating organisational changes.

Part 4 contains some of my thoughts on leadership, and specifically the importance of leadership agility. Many people hit a ceiling in their leadership ability. Understanding vertical development and its various developmental stages can help you to identify, without judgement, how you are doing and prioritise growth areas. As your appreciation for differences in leadership capabilities and limitations grows, you’ll be able to lead more effectively and intentionally.

Finally, in Part 5, I reflect on what I have come to know about my purpose in life, which is based off getting to know my true values. I cover the importance of reflection in order to do this. As you read my book, you’ll see that my personal circumstances required that I ask these questions of myself, but you don’t need to wait until those questions are forced on you to consider why you are doing what you do.