Many companies are simply not in a position where they can promote someone to a higher level. It may not be possible to promote because a higher level just isn’t there.
If this is the case, consider that lateral moves can sometimes be just as exciting. A lateral move still allows for growth and the development of new talents. It encourages a broadening perspective and a stronger understanding of the business and introduces new networks of people. Thereby invigorating the position—and the business—with a new energy that is a win-win for everyone.
Advancement isn’t always about climbing the ladder
The first thing most people think of in terms of career advancement is moving up to a more powerful position, more responsibilities, bigger salary, and so on. But what happens when there is no “up” to climb to?
If you are still searching for your dream job and you’ve reached the ceiling in your current organization, a lateral move may help you find the position you are looking for – something you are passionate about and can really dig into.
Think of it as the proverbial game of chess: sometimes, moving sideways is the best way to achieve your objective.
The many benefits of a lateral move
A step sideways comes with myriad benefits, both to the employee and to the organization. For the employee, these benefits include:
You become more marketable.
A lateral move gives top employees the chance to enhance their skills while leveraging what they already know about the company and its operations.
You will be able to work more effectively with other team members.
Offering you the opportunity to work with different people within the company, imbuing each day with new energy, new experiences, and dynamics.
Brings a new outlook on what you already do.
When burnout threatens to sink your career, a lateral move can breathe new life into it. You may well see everything about the company in an entirely different light, energizing your focus and helping you think in more innovative terms.
It’s an opportunity to enhance your industry knowledge.
No matter what industry you are in, lateral moves often involve deepening your understanding of your industry through additional training and education. This will not only prove to be highly satisfying, but it will add value to the position and to the company as well as to you, personally.
For business owners
On the other side of the desk, if you are a business owner, you might be concerned about keeping your top talent when they have gone as far as they can within the company structure.
By asking your star employee the right questions, you may be able to define a new position that will keep them engaged and add value. Asking questions like:
- How do you define career success?
- What do you hope to achieve in your career?
- What new talents do you want to learn?
- What kind of work do you want to be doing?
With the answers to these questions firmly in hand, you may very well find that sideways is the best direction to go.
If you would like to learn more about lateral moves and how we can help, reach out today.