Navigating Complexity: A Perfect Day in the Life of a Vertical Leader

Introduction to Vertical Development and Leadership

In an age where change is the only constant, leaders face the daunting task of navigating through an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. This requires a shift from traditional leadership paradigms to one that is more dynamic, adaptive, and holistic. Enter the concept of vertical development—a transformative approach that emphasizes not just the accumulation of skills and knowledge (horizontal development) but a deep evolution in how leaders perceive, think, and relate to the world around them. A vertical leader, therefore, is someone who has undergone this profound internal growth, enabling them to handle complexity with grace, lead with authenticity, and foster an environment of continuous learning and adaptation. Ever wondered what a day in the life of a vertical leader looks like? Let's take a closer look at the defining practices and experiences that shape their journey. Here is what a perfect day could look like:

Morning: Grounding and Setting Intentions

• 5:30 AM: Starts the day with a personal grounding practice, such as meditation or a mindfulness exercise, to cultivate presence and clarity. This practice helps the leader remain centered amidst the day's challenges.
• 6:00 AM: Engages in physical activity, like yoga or a morning run, recognizing the importance of a healthy body for a sharp mind and resilient leadership.
• 7:00 AM: Reviews personal and professional goals, setting intentions for the day. This includes identifying key tasks that align with their broader vision and purpose, ensuring that daily actions contribute to long-term objectives.

Mid-Morning: Fostering Team Engagement and Development

• 8:00 AM: Begins the workday by checking in with the team through a virtual stand-up meeting. Uses this time not just to discuss tasks but to connect with team members on a personal level, demonstrating emotional intelligence and fostering a culture of empathy.
• 9:00 AM: Dedicates time to one-on-one coaching sessions with team members, focusing on their development needs, challenges, and aspirations. These sessions are designed to empower team members, encouraging self-awareness and self-leadership.

Midday: Strategic Thinking and Collaboration

• 12:00 PM: Takes a reflective lunch break, often spent in solitude or with a mentor/advisor, discussing perspectives and insights. This break serves as a time to recharge and reflect on the morning’s interactions and decisions.
• 1:00 PM: Engages in strategic planning meetings, approaching complex problems with a systems thinking perspective. Promotes open dialogue, values diverse viewpoints, and leads the team in mapping out innovative solutions that consider the wider system's impact.

Afternoon: Adaptive Leadership and Continuous Learning

• 3:00 PM: Allocates time to work on adaptive challenges facing the organization. This involves leading a cross-functional task force, experimenting with new approaches, and learning from the outcomes, embodying the practice of adaptive leadership.
• 4:30 PM: Dedicates time to personal and professional development, possibly through reading the latest industry research, attending a webinar, or reflecting on feedback received. Recognizes that continuous learning is key to navigating the complexity of leadership.

Evening: Reflection and Connection

• 6:00 PM: Winds down the official workday with a team check-out, sharing successes and learnings of the day. This practice reinforces a culture of openness, shared learning, and collective growth.
• 7:00 PM: Engages in a personal hobby or spends quality time with family and friends, understanding the importance of work-life integration and the role of personal well-being in effective leadership.
• 9:00 PM: Ends the day with a reflection practice, reviewing the day’s achievements and areas for growth, both personally and professionally. Sets preliminary intentions for the next day, aligning them with their overarching vision for leadership and impact.

Throughout the Day:

• Practices Presence: Remains fully present in each moment, whether in meetings, during work, or in personal interactions, demonstrating the importance of mindfulness in leadership.
• Exemplifies Vulnerability and Authenticity: Shares personal learnings and vulnerabilities with the team, fostering a culture of trust and mutual support.
• Navigates Complexity with Grace: Faces challenges not as problems to be solved but as opportunities to grow, leading with curiosity and openness to change.

Reflect and Engage:

Could you envision adopting the day-to-day practices of a Vertical Leader for a day? What aspects do you find most challenging or rewarding? Share your thoughts on experimenting with these leadership practices in your daily routine and the potential impact it could have on your leadership style and team dynamics.

About the Author: Sandrine Provoost

Sandrine Provoost , Founder and CEO of Vertical Breakthrough , is an expert in Culture Transformation, Organizational Change and Leadership Effectiveness with over 20 years of experience across global markets. An Organizational Psychologist, Transformation Consultant and Executive Coach, she specializes in leading transformative change, enhancing organizational agility, and cultivating high-performing cultures that unlock human potential.

Sandrine's work spans Fortune 500 companies in various sectors, demonstrating her versatility and impact in driving significant change. She holds master's degrees in Organizational Psychology and Business Administration, along with certifications in coaching, change management and agile methodologies.

Connect with Sandrine

Ready to transform your organization's culture and leadership effectiveness? Learn how Sandrine Provoost and Vertical Breakthrough can guide your journey toward impactful leadership and cultural excellence at Verticalbreakthrough.com .

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