9 Comments

I LOVE how you're breaking down the vertical development model into completely understandable language and metaphor. I'm curious as to your choice of this model (is it from Petrie?) vs others (say, from LC). I like the model you share here and find it a bit more grounded in common language than LC.

Also, now I will be buying jeans. Although in the skinny version. It's been a journey.

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Thank you! I'm trying! The model I show is primarily drawn from Bill Torbert and Susanne Cook-Greuter - then Petrie and Rybeck evolved it some. However, one thing I add here that is not in the Torbert/Cook-Greuter model is the "Magical Childhood Mind" (first stage) - this is drawn from Robert Kegan and Jennifer Garvey-Berger's adult development model. I like that the Magical Childhood Mind acknowledges that our original state is one of feeling whole, trusting, and connected - we don't come out as "selfish" as the Opportunist stage - that is a threat response. And there's such a gift in that original state of wholeness - I think a lot of inner work is getting back in touch with that part of us. I'm going to add these references as a caption on the image right now, actually - I should have done that, so thanks for the prompt. (When you say "LC" - is that Leadership Circle? If so - they base their model off of Kegan's work.) Kegan's work and Torbert/Cook-Greuter's model are complementary - they layer on top of each other really well, I just find the Torbert/CookGreuter model to be more detailed, practical, and business-relevant. In Leadership Circle terms - the Reactive to Creative shift happens around the Achiever stage and we become more solidly Creative in Redefining and beyond.

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Thank you! I admittedly have a mental block when it comes to models--my brain just shuts off and it's like listening to Charlie Brown's teacher. (This is one of the many reasons I never pursued an I/O Psych degree.) That's why I appreciate your completely approachable explanation! Yes, by LC I mean Kegan, which I know it's based on but it's been a slow morning. I agree that the model you discuss here is more business-relevant. I can't really explain "Unifying" with a straight face to most business leaders who are worried about their next round of funding.

Our friend Paul and I have been talking about finding that Magical Childhood Mind, so I appreciate where you're going with that!

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So helpful to hear your thoughts on Death by Models! I find them helpful, but most of us need some other something to spark our interest and really make things click. And YUP about the lofty language that often shows up in these adult development conversations - I think it's such a barrier for so many people because that's not the language they speak in real life. I really do believe one of my callings right now is to be a bridge or a translator - taking these really useful concepts of the ethereal realm and bringing them down to the land most of us live in. So your notes here mean a lot to me, Cynthia!!

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Yeah, lofty language... if I have to google like 5 things in a single paragraph, count me out! I read that Brené Brown piece you shared (first thing I'd ever read from her TBH) and it caught me immediately as she is apparently going through similar times, having also just lost her mama. Her complex struggles, so eloquently put into simple words. As I got further in, and some of the loftier mumbo jumbo started to seethe into the piece, I found my mind wandering to hot dogs or something.

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This email came at the right time as I'm prepping for an unconscious bias training. I'm going to talk about vertical growth now in my introduction!

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WHOA! So cool! I'd love to hear more about how you will make the connection b/w vertical growth and unconscious bias. Hope the training goes great, and thanks for reading and letting me know it sparked something!

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Super insightful Claire!! I love this idea of vertical development that you explain in such real language

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You are doing so great!! I'm sure it is taking lots of work on the back end to create such engaging and insightful posts, but the end result is fantastic! And boot cut is my jam. Buying now!

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