Lycoming are no different to continental in most cases. They don't usually recommend leaning above 75% power, although it does depend on the airframe it is fitted to, the major exception I know of is the lycoming L/TIO 540, where leaning in climb (85%) is acceptable. It might be more useful if the particular model of a/c is mentioned here. For example, the seneca comes with both lycoming (naturally aspirated) engines, (seneca 1) and continentals (turbocharged) 2,3,4, and 5. You can lean the 1 for takeoff if necessary, but NEVER the turbocharged ones for takeoff. It depends on whether it is naturally aspirated or turbocharged.
While we're at it, yes it can be efficient to cruise higher with regard to fuel, but depending upon how you are paying for the aircraft it can be more expensive to do so. Fuel cost is but one facet of the overall picture, and with normally aspirated engines, higher is not always cheaper.