As human beings we naturally seek to create meaning from our experiences. Changes to the way we create meaning continue throughout our lives in a series of developmental stages. Each new developmental stage we enter reflects our expanding capacity to understand ourselves and the complexities of the world and vertical development is about understanding and influencing the way we perceive and make meaning of the world.

Research from Susan Cook-Greuter and others about adult mental development has led to the creation of an evidence-based adult development theory called the Leadership Maturity Framework (LMF). The LMF describes nine stages of human meaning making which focus on how we translate our thoughts and perceptions into actions in professional environments. The LMF calls these developmental stages action logics.

Our own predominant action logic has a large impact on how we create meaning about our career, current role and our performance in the workplace. It also influences our interactions with other people, how we deal with conflict or other issues, and how we manage things like uncertainty or paradox. Our personal vertical development depends on many factors including our cognitive ability, our interest in ongoing learning, our life circumstances, and the levels of support available to us.

We use the LMF to support our clients as they explore where they are and where they would like to be, helping them find the best tools and practices to accomplish their purpose at work and in life.