«All Stunts Performed by Professional Stuntmen: Please Do Not Attempt at Home!»

The first trap arises when individuals begin to identify qualities in themselves, either desirable or undesirable, based solely on the typology. For instance, someone with narcissistic tendencies might assume they are at a high stage of development, like the «Strategist» or even «Alchemist.» On the other hand, a person prone to depressive thinking might conclude that they are at a very early stage, far from their aspirations.

The second trap relates to our ability to observe what is truly happening with us. Our perspective defines what comes into view and what remains unnoticed, simply because it doesn’t fit into our current worldview. Early stages of leadership development may allow us to see only one or two perspectives, often focusing on others rather than ourselves. As we develop, we begin to observe not only ourselves but also how we interact with others. Eventually, our perspective broadens to encompass multiple processes and dynamics, enriching our understanding of the world.

However, this perspective can also limit us. We only see what our current developmental stage allows us to see, and we may not recognize what’s holding us back.

In practice, this often plays out in fascinating ways. A client who appears to be at a late «Achiever» stage may read descriptions of leadership stages and mistakenly conclude, «I must be a ‘Diplomat,’ and I don’t like it!» However, as an Achiever, this client is able to see limitations that someone at the Diplomat stage wouldn’t even notice.

Another example involves a senior executive with multiple degrees and a large team under his leadership. Heading into his leadership development debrief, he was confident that he operated at the «Strategist» level. However, the research revealed that he was a late-stage «Expert,» a stage characterized by a focus on adhering to external standards.

In today’s binary world of right and wrong, good and bad, we often fail to recognize our own growth. Many executives live within a mental framework that prevents them from noticing they’ve already advanced to a new stage. They may confuse mimicking more advanced behaviors with actually embodying them.

When we attempt to diagnose ourselves, we operate within our current limitations and see only what is visible to our present perception. This means we miss opportunities for deeper growth. For instance, someone operating from the «Expert» mindset is likely focused on how they should be, rather than valuing their current capabilities, which can serve as the foundation for their next level of development.

Leadership Development Profiles (LDP) are not meant to tell you how far you are from a certain benchmark, but rather to show you what you already possess – your “size of the world” and how you operate within it. If you appreciate your skills and competencies, they become assets for your journey forward. Without this awareness, even the most impressive degrees or experiences may feel like wasted potential.

Many leaders, especially at the «Achiever» or «Individualist» stages, need to reconnect with the knowledge and skills they already have in order to truly master their current stage and move upward. Every training and experience represents a victory, a step toward expanding one’s capacity. The key is to acknowledge these steps and see the richness they bring.

Imagine leadership development not as a ladder but as a house. Some rooms you visit often, while others you’ve never explored. Some rooms you may not even know exist. At certain stages in life, you may not have the time or capacity to explore these new rooms, but they are still part of your house.

The leadership development framework shows you that your house is much larger than the part you currently occupy. And with guided support, such as an LDP debrief, you can unlock new rooms that hold the keys to further personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, leadership development is not about striving to be someone else, but about discovering the full potential of who you already are. Avoid the traps of self-diagnosis and embrace the process of vertical development with the guidance of a professional who can help you see beyond your current limitations.