The Lateral Move Paradox: Why It’s Okay to Move Sideways
In a professional world largely obsessed with upward mobility, the concept of a lateral move in one’s career can often be met with skepticism and misunderstanding. However, the lateral move paradox posits that sometimes moving sideways can be just as beneficial—if not more so—than climbing the hierarchical ladder.
Understanding the Lateral Move
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A lateral move in one’s career refers to a transition to a role with similar responsibilities and at a comparable level within an organization or across different organizations. Unlike a promotion, which implies an upward trajectory, a lateral move focuses on breadth rather than depth of experience.
The Pros and Cons of a Lateral Career Move
To fully understand the lateral move paradox, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Skill Diversification: A lateral move can provide exposure to new skills and experiences, making you a more well-rounded professional.
- Expanded Network: By working in different areas, you can build a broader professional network, which can be invaluable for future opportunities.
- Increased Job Satisfaction: Sometimes, a lateral move can reignite passion and motivation by providing a fresh perspective and new challenges.
- Strategic Positioning: In some cases, a lateral move can be a strategic stepping stone to a higher position.
Cons
- Perceived Lack of Progress: Colleagues and even self-perception may view a lateral move as stagnation.
- Adjustment Period: Transitioning to a new role, even at the same level, often requires an adjustment period and learning curve.
- Uncertain Outcomes: The benefits of a lateral move are not always immediately apparent and may take time to manifest.
The Value of Lateral Moves in Career Development
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A lateral move can be particularly valuable for emerging leaders who are looking to broaden their understanding of the business and develop a more comprehensive skill set.
Skill Diversification
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business environment, the ability to adapt and acquire new skills is more critical than ever. A lateral move offers the opportunity to gain experience in different functions or departments, thereby diversifying your skill set. This diversification not only makes you more versatile but also increases your value to the organization.
Broader Perspective
By working in different roles, you gain a broader perspective of the organization and its operations. This holistic understanding is particularly beneficial for emerging leaders who aspire to executive roles. It enables you to see how different parts of the organization interconnect and how decisions in one area can impact others.
Strategic Career Positioning
Sometimes, a lateral move is a strategic decision aimed at positioning oneself for future opportunities. For instance, moving to a role that offers more visibility or aligns more closely with your long-term career goals can be a smart move. It can also provide the opportunity to build relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, which can be invaluable when seeking future promotions.
Real-World Examples of Successful Lateral Moves
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To illustrate the potential benefits of lateral moves, let’s look at some real-world examples.
Sheryl Sandberg
Before becoming the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg made a lateral move from her role as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of the Treasury to a vice president position at Google. This move allowed her to gain valuable experience in the tech industry, which ultimately positioned her for her future role at Facebook.
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, made several lateral moves within the company before ascending to the top position. By working in different roles and gaining a broad understanding of the company’s operations, he was well-prepared to lead Microsoft through its transformation.
Indra Nooyi
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, also made several lateral moves within the company before becoming CEO. These moves allowed her to gain a deep understanding of various aspects of the business, which was instrumental in her success as CEO.
The Opposite of a Lateral Move in Career Development
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While lateral moves focus on breadth of experience, the opposite—vertical moves—emphasize depth. Both types of career moves have their place in career development, and the best approach often involves a combination of both.
Vertical Moves
Vertical moves involve advancing to higher-level positions with increased responsibilities and greater authority. These moves typically come with higher pay and more significant influence within the organization. However, focusing solely on vertical moves can sometimes lead to a narrow skill set and limited perspective.
Integrating Both Approaches
For a well-rounded career development strategy, it’s essential to integrate both lateral and vertical moves. By combining breadth and depth of experience, you can develop a comprehensive skill set and a broad perspective, positioning yourself for long-term success.
Conclusion: Embracing the Lateral Move Paradox
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In conclusion, the lateral move paradox challenges the conventional wisdom that career success is solely about upward mobility. By embracing lateral moves, emerging leaders can diversify their skill sets, gain broader perspectives, and strategically position themselves for future opportunities.
While lateral moves may initially seem counterintuitive, they can offer significant long-term benefits. By thinking critically about your career development and being open to lateral moves, you can navigate the complexities of executive roles and enhance your leadership skills.
Ultimately, the key is to recognize that career development is not a linear path but a dynamic journey that involves both lateral and vertical moves. By embracing this holistic approach, you can achieve greater career satisfaction and long-term success.