The Lateral Move: A Strategic Career Choice for Ambitious Managers
In the fast-paced world of corporate management, career progression is often viewed as a vertical climb. However, lateral moves, where one shifts roles within the same level of hierarchy, can be a strategic and rewarding career choice. For ambitious managers, understanding the benefits and intricacies of lateral job movements can open new avenues for growth and development.
What is a Lateral Move?
A lateral move in career terms refers to transitioning to a different role or department at the same organizational level. Unlike promotions, which move you up the corporate ladder, lateral moves expand your skill set and expose you to new challenges within your current tier.
Key Characteristics of a Lateral Move
- Same Hierarchical Level: The role remains within the same level of responsibility and pay grade.
- New Responsibilities: Despite being at the same level, the role involves different tasks and challenges.
- Skill Diversification: Offers opportunities to learn new skills and gain broader organizational insights.
Why Consider a Lateral Move?
For managers, a lateral career move can be a strategic decision that offers multiple benefits. Here are several reasons to consider this path:
Skill Enhancement and Broader Experience
One of the primary advantages of a lateral move is the opportunity to diversify your skill set. For example, a marketing manager moving to a product management role gains insights into product development, customer needs, and project management. This breadth of experience can be invaluable for career growth.
Increased Visibility and Networking
Transitioning to a different department allows you to interact with a new set of colleagues and leaders. This expanded network can provide fresh perspectives and potentially open doors to future opportunities. For instance, a finance manager moving to operations might build relationships that could be pivotal in later career stages.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities
Different roles present unique challenges. By tackling these varied problems, you enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A project manager who moves to a business analyst role, for example, might develop a more analytical approach to project challenges.
Avoiding Career Stagnation
Staying in the same role for too long can lead to stagnation. A lateral move can reinvigorate your career by providing new challenges and learning opportunities. It can also demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
How to Make a Smart Lateral Career Move
Making a lateral move requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Here are some steps to consider:
Self-Assessment
Before making a move, assess your current skills, interests, and career goals. Understand what you want to achieve with the lateral move. Are you looking to develop new skills, expand your network, or find a more fulfilling role? A clear understanding of your objectives will guide your decision-making process.
Research and Identify Opportunities
Look for roles that align with your goals and offer growth potential. Speak with colleagues in different departments to gain insights into their roles and challenges. Use this information to identify positions that would be a good fit for your skills and aspirations.
Build Relationships
Networking is crucial in facilitating a lateral move. Establish relationships with key stakeholders in your desired department. Attend cross-functional meetings, volunteer for interdepartmental projects, and seek mentorship from leaders in the area you’re interested in.
Communicate Your Intentions
Once you have identified a potential role, communicate your interest to your current manager and the relevant department heads. Highlight how your skills can add value to the new role and how the move aligns with your career development goals.
Prepare for the Transition
A lateral move often involves a steep learning curve. Prepare for the transition by acquiring relevant knowledge and skills. This might include taking courses, reading industry literature, or shadowing colleagues in your desired role.
Real-World Examples of Successful Lateral Moves
Example 1: Marketing to Product Management
Jane, a marketing manager at a tech company, felt she had reached a plateau in her role. She made a lateral move to product management, where she applied her marketing insights to product development. This move not only broadened her skill set but also positioned her for a future leadership role in product strategy.
Example 2: Finance to Operations
John, a finance manager, transitioned to an operations role within the same company. This lateral move allowed him to understand the operational challenges and streamline financial processes. His unique perspective led to significant process improvements and cost savings for the company.
Example 3: Sales to Customer Success
Emily, a successful sales manager, moved laterally to a customer success role. Her sales experience helped her understand customer needs better, leading to improved customer satisfaction and retention rates. This move also provided her with a deeper understanding of the customer lifecycle, which was instrumental in her subsequent promotion to a senior leadership position.
Pros and Cons of a Lateral Career Move
Pros
- Skill Diversification: Gain new skills and broaden your experience.
- Increased Networking: Build relationships with a wider range of colleagues and leaders.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: Tackle new challenges and improve critical thinking.
- Career Reinvigoration: Avoid stagnation and keep your career dynamic.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: Adjusting to a new role can be challenging.
- Temporary Setback: May delay vertical advancement temporarily.
- Perceived Lack of Progress: Some may view lateral moves as a lack of ambition.
Conclusion
A lateral move can be a strategic career choice for ambitious managers seeking to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and tackle new challenges. By understanding the benefits, preparing strategically, and leveraging real-world examples, you can make a successful lateral move that propels your career forward. Remember, career growth isn’t always about moving up; sometimes, moving sideways can provide the perspective and experience needed to climb higher in the long run.