The concept of Alan Watkins new book "4D Leadership" is built around the
concept of vertical development: when leaders expand their capabilities
to see further, understand more, think better, and become more
sophisticated and flexible in the way they approach people and
situations. Vertical development focuses on being able to think more
complexly, systemically, and strategically, whereas horizontal
development consists of learning new skills and knowledge. Vertical
development, or the fourth dimension, is crucial in today s volatile,
uncertain, complex, and ambiguous business world; without it, leaders
will not be sophisticated enough to solve problems of fast-changing and
complex businesses."4D Leadership" explains that when it comes to
business, there are three dimensions to viewing the world: the objective
world of doing, the subjective world of being, and the interpersonal
world of relationships. When leaders are proficient in all three
dimensions and can move effortlessly between the three, they have
achieved 4D leadership. This book sets out to offer a clear framework on
how exactly to do this. For each dimension, Alan Watkins explains the
related line of development and how to move up a developmental level,
unlocking new sophistication, capacity, and ability.