What Lateral Integration and Golf Have in Common
- Apr 9
- 1 min read
Lateral integration and golf both reward patience, discipline, and consistent practice. There are no short cuts. The cost of cutting corners will not show up on day one, but underinvesting in the fundamentals will show up when you measure results.
Firms invest heavily in recruiting talent and onboarding, but underinvest in the structured support that determines whether that talent actually performs. The lateral hire lands, day one goes well, introductions are made — and then, a few weeks later, the new partner is sitting alone in their office wondering what comes next.
Everyone wants the right result. But integration requires consistent support and effort over months or even years, and too often competing priorities get in the way. The plan was there, the intention was real. But the work didn't slow down, and integration quietly fell off the agenda.
A Director of Lateral Integration can make all the difference. Outside resources can also close the gap. Either way, building the infrastructure to support lateral integration is what distinguishes firms that get this right.
What would it take for your firm to make lateral integration a real priority?
