Does Lateral Leadership Really Work in Business?

Leadership can mean a number of different things to different people. Using principles of lateral leadership is one way to remain flexible and dynamic in your approach to management. This article reviews exactly what lateral leadership is, why it’s become such a common term in the business world, and how its principles stand to impact your industry. We’ll explore the pros and cons of lateral leadership so that you can make an informed decision about whether you should incorporate it into your organization’s plans and goals. 

Many organizations have a top-down (or vertical) leadership strategy in which several lower level employees report to just a few managers and leaders who are higher up in the chain of command. There’s a designated work flow in which employees report to management. This style of leadership can be great, because it’s organized, easy to understand, and it creates a working hierarchy so that employees are aware of social and professional expectations while at work.