Leading in 3D

Navigating relationships in an organization isn’t linear—it’s multidimensional. Great leadership means looking up, down, and across, not just focusing on the people directly in front of you. That’s what it means to lead in 3D.

• Managing Up means aligning with your boss’s priorities, anticipating needs, and positioning yourself as a strategic, reliable partner.

• Managing Across is about building strong peer relationships to drive collaboration, share knowledge, and break down silos.

• Managing Down involves leading your team with clarity, support, and purpose—creating a culture where people are engaged, empowered, and able to perform at their best.

When leaders focus too much in one direction and neglect the others, cracks start to show. Maybe your team is thriving, but your peers don’t loop you in on cross-functional efforts. Or maybe your manager doesn’t have a clear view of your impact, and opportunities pass you by.

Leading in 3D means balancing all three relationships—up, down, and across—with intention. When you do, you build stronger partnerships, elevate your team, and position yourself for bigger opportunities.

It’s not about doing more—it’s about leading smarter, with perspective and presence in every direction. That’s how you lead with impact.

Want to dive deeper into how to lead with presence and perspective in every direction? My upcoming book launching on August 5th, Practicing Bravery with MOXIE: Tools, Truths, and Tactics for Brave Leadership, breaks it down. If you're ready to bring this to life through executive coaching or a leadership development intervention for your team, let's talk.