Introductory Vertical Facilitation Resources

What is Vertical Learning?

In this introductory video—excerpted from the Warm-up video course—Michael answers the question “What is Vertical Learning?”. Vertical Learning is that kind of learning in which individuals and teams become more aware of the processes by which they come to understand, and align toward common action. These ‘processes’ include the interrelational and conversational activity of sensemaking, as well as the underlying meaning-making structures that determine that activity.

To the degree that people—both individually and collectively—can become aware of the processes by which they make sense of their world, they render themselves more choiceful in their actions, and understanding and motivations that govern those actions.

An Introduction to the Art and Practice of Vertical Facilitation

In this white paper, we introduce key ideas and distinctions related to the growing of such inner capabilities, which we call Vertical Facilitation.

First, we want to speak to what we mean by “inner growth”, making a differentiation between vertical and horizontal growth, or learning.

Then, we dive into the unique qualities that characterize what vertical learning is, and, in particular, the necessarily transformative quality which such a manner of learning entails. It is our assertion if we are to grow our capacity for inner agility, we will need to get better at catalyzing vertical learning.

Finally, we provide a brief overview of one possible methodology for vertical facilitation and how might represent and model that methodology.

Take a More Expansive Tour

The Vertical Facilitator— A Learning Journey for Trainers and Facilitators

Vertical Facilitation: Catalyzing Transformative Learning in Teams and Groups is a program of study, culminating in a 6-week Deep Dive that will leave you with a new-found mastery in the art and practice of designing and leading moments of deep transformative change for any variety of group learning modalities and situations.

The first phase of the Learning Journey is completely free, and consists of recordings of live webinar sessions (led by Michael Hamman and Lyssa Adkins), white papers, and other information materials related to the art and practice of Vertical Facilitation.