Lateral leadership is the ability to influence and collaborate with colleagues and peers across different teams, departments, or levels within an organization without formal authority.
In contrast to traditional hierarchical leadership skills, lateral leadership is based on building trust, fostering open communication, and developing strong interpersonal skills.
This guide will provide practical tips and strategies to become an effective lateral leader.
1. Understand the Organization:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s structure, goals, and processes. This knowledge will help you identify key stakeholders, potential collaborators, and areas where lateral leadership can significantly impact.
2. Build Strong Relationships:
- Invest time and effort in building strong relationships with colleagues from various departments. Show genuine interest in their work, listen actively, and offer your support whenever needed.
- Networking events, cross-functional projects, and team-building activities are excellent opportunities to connect with colleagues from different areas.
3. Communicate Effectively:
- Master the art of clear and concise communication. Ensure that your messages are easily understood and relevant to the audience, regardless of their background or expertise.
- Be an active and empathetic listener. This skill will help you better understand your colleagues’ perspectives and needs.
4. Demonstrate Trustworthiness:
- Be reliable and consistent in your actions. When colleagues know they can count on you, they will be more willing to collaborate and follow your lead.
- Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them. Admitting when you are wrong or don’t know something builds trust and credibility.
5. Be a Problem Solver:
- Take the initiative to identify and address challenges that span multiple teams or departments. Propose innovative solutions that benefit the organization as a whole.
- Collaborate with colleagues to solve problems collectively. Encourage open discussions and diverse perspectives to find the best solutions.
6. Influence and Persuade:
- As a lateral leader, your power comes from influence rather than authority. Learn persuasive communication techniques to inspire others to embrace your ideas and initiatives.
- Frame your proposals in terms of how they benefit the organization and individual team members.
7. Foster a Culture of Collaboration:
- Encourage a culture of knowledge sharing, cooperation, and mutual support within your organization. Recognize and celebrate successful examples of lateral collaboration.
- Set an example by actively seeking input from others and seeking opportunities to collaborate.
8. Be Adaptable:
- Lateral leadership often involves navigating through complex and dynamic environments. Be open to change and quick to adapt your approach as situations evolve.
- Demonstrate resilience and a positive attitude, even in challenging circumstances.
9. Recognize and Celebrate Success:
- Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognizing your colleagues’ efforts will strengthen the sense of camaraderie and motivate others to contribute to shared goals.
10. Lead by Example:
- Embody the values and principles you want to see in others. Be a role model for lateral leadership by consistently demonstrating collaborative behaviors and a solutions-oriented mindset.
11. Seek Feedback:
- Ask for regular feedback from your colleagues on your lateral leadership efforts. Actively incorporate their input into your approach to improve and refine your skills.
12. Continuous Learning:
- Keep learning and growing as a lateral leader. Seek opportunities for professional development, attend workshops, read books, and stay updated on the latest trends in leadership and collaboration.
Remember that lateral leadership is a journey requiring patience and perseverance.
By cultivating strong relationships, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset, you can significantly impact your organization and become a respected and influential lateral leader.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
