Understanding the Impact of Lateral Violence in the Workplace
Lateral violence, also known as horizontal violence, is a pervasive issue that affects many workplaces, particularly those within Indigenous communities. But what exactly is lateral violence? It refers to harmful behaviors—such as bullying, gossiping, exclusion, and passive-aggressive actions—that are directed at colleagues rather than at external sources of oppression. Rooted in historical trauma and systemic inequalities, lateral violence is an unfortunate consequence of colonization that continues to impact Indigenous communities today.
For many organizations, lateral violence can create a toxic work environment, lower morale, and decrease productivity. More importantly, it can perpetuate harm within communities that are striving toward healing and empowerment. This is where the Indigenous Perspectives Society’s (IPS) Lateral Violence in the Workplace Training comes in. By exploring the origins, impacts, and solutions to lateral violence, this transformative course provides individuals and organizations with the tools to guide healthier, more respectful workplaces.
If you’re wondering whether this training is right for you or your team, here are five key takeaways that highlight its immense value.
1. Lateral Violence is Not Who We Are—It Was Taught to Us
One of the most powerful insights from this training is that lateral violence is not an inherent part of Indigenous culture. Traditional Indigenous communities thrived on principles of respect, reciprocity, and shared responsibility. Colonization, residential schools, and systemic oppression disrupted these cultural practices, fostering an environment where Indigenous people were pitted against one another.
In the training, participants explore historical contexts that led to the emergence of lateral violence and discuss how decolonization efforts can help reverse its effects. This foundational understanding is crucial in shifting the narrative from blame to collective healing.
2. The Workplace is a Common Battleground for Lateral Violence
Lateral violence manifests in various ways in professional settings, including:
• Gossip and rumor-spreading
• Withholding important information
• Sabotaging colleagues’ work
• Non-verbal innuendos (eye-rolling, dismissive gestures)
• Gaslighting and undermining confidence
The IPS training includes real-world scenarios and discussions that help participants recognize these behaviors, understand their impact, and learn proactive ways to address them.
3. Healing Requires a Shift from Victimization to Empowerment
A core part of the training focuses on breaking free from cycles of victimization. Participants are introduced to the Empowerment Triangle, a framework that replaces the traditional “Victim, Persecutor, Rescuer” dynamic with healthier roles:
• Challenger: Encourages accountability in a supportive way
• Coach: Helps others find their own strength and solutions
• Creator: Takes initiative to shape a positive workplace culture
By embracing this model, participants gain strategies to foster resilience, leadership, and personal growth within their teams.
4. Lateral Kindness is the Antidote to Lateral Violence
Lateral kindness is a concept introduced in the training that encourages acts of empathy, support, and encouragement in professional and community spaces. Instead of reacting with negativity, individuals are guided toward transformative behaviors, such as:
• Practicing active listening and open communication
• Celebrating colleagues’ successes rather than competing
• Offering mentorship and support rather than exclusion
• Holding space for healing conversations in the workplace
One of the most impactful exercises in the training challenges participants to reflect on ways they can implement lateral kindness in their own work environments.
5. Conflict Transformation is More Effective Than Conflict Resolution
Traditional conflict resolution focuses on “fixing” problems, but conflict transformation goes deeper—it aims to change the structures and relationships that contribute to conflict in the first place. The IPS training introduces tools like the Conflict Tree and Circle Processes, which guide organizations toward long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Participants leave with practical strategies for transforming workplace disputes into opportunities for growth, understanding, and systemic change.
Why You Should Register for This Training
If you’re an Indigenous professional, a non-Indigenous ally, or part of an organization that serves Indigenous communities, this training is an essential step toward creating a safer, more inclusive workplace. By registering, you’ll gain:
• A deeper understanding of lateral violence and its historical roots
• Practical tools to address workplace conflict and promote healing
• A network of like-minded professionals committed to change
• Strategies to foster a culture of lateral kindness and resilience
Lateral violence does not have to be a reality in our workplaces. With the right knowledge and tools, we can create environments that uplift, support, and empower Indigenous professionals.
Register today and take the first step in breaking the cycle of lateral violence in your workplace!