When people think about career growth, they typically imagine climbing up the corporate ladder. Promotions, higher titles, and bigger salaries often symbolize success. However, career progression doesn’t always mean moving upwards. Sometimes, a lateral move within an organisation can be just as valuable, if not more so, for long-term growth and development. A lateral move allows you to develop a broader skill set, providing new perspectives that might not have been available in your previous role.
The Value of Cross-Functional Experience
In larger organisations, a lateral move typically involves switching teams or departments without an immediate change in title or salary. While this might seem like a step sideways, it is in fact a strategic move to enhance your versatility and expertise. Instead of being confined to the scope of a single function or department, a lateral move gives you the chance to experience different areas of the business. This can range from operations, marketing, or sales to customer service, finance, or human resources.
By gaining experience in multiple functions, you become more well-rounded and adaptable. This broader perspective can give you an operational understanding that might not have been available when you were focused on one aspect of the business. When you’re able to step into new areas, you develop an appreciation for how different parts of the organisation work together. You learn not just how your role contributes to the company’s goals, but also how each department interrelates and supports each other. This expanded skill set can make you much more valuable to your current organisation.
The Operational Perspective Advantage
Many professionals start their careers by focusing on one specific skill set or business area. However, this can often result in tunnel vision, where individuals only understand how their department or role fits into the larger organisation, but fail to grasp the bigger picture. Lateral moves give employees the opportunity to see the inner workings of different business units, giving them an operational perspective.
For example, someone working in marketing might take a lateral move to the sales team. This would provide them with firsthand knowledge of how marketing initiatives are received by the sales team and the direct impact these efforts have on revenue. Similarly, moving from a human resources position to a more customer-facing role allows individuals to understand customer needs, which is essential for product development and service delivery. The operational perspective you gain from such moves helps you think more strategically and see problems from different angles.
This wider scope makes you a more marketable asset in your current organisation and also increases your attractiveness to recruiters and headhunters. The skills and experience gained through these moves make you a more versatile candidate for future roles. If you’re someone with a limited functional background, such as just marketing or just finance, making a lateral move into a new department can make you a stronger contender for leadership roles in the future.
The Ripple Effect of Broader Experience
Having diverse experience in an organisation isn’t just about gaining new knowledge; it’s also about positioning yourself for future opportunities. Organisations value employees who can step into multiple roles or take on cross-functional projects. This kind of flexibility can make you more indispensable, as you’re able to fill in for others, contribute to projects outside of your normal duties, or even lead initiatives that span across departments.
As your skill set broadens and your operational understanding deepens, you’re more likely to be considered for high-profile assignments. These experiences help you build credibility and visibility within the organisation, making you an obvious choice for future promotions or salary increases.
Beyond your current company, the experience gained from a lateral move can open doors in the job market. For instance, if your new role involves learning new technologies, managing larger teams, or handling larger budgets, you are gaining skills that are transferable across industries. These abilities make you appealing to potential employers and headhunters, who are always on the lookout for candidates with a diverse background and the ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects.
The Role of Lateral Moves in Becoming a Well-Rounded Professional
Lateral moves are instrumental in helping professionals become well-rounded. The ability to shift between various business functions equips you with a unique skill set that differentiates you from others in your industry. You become a multi-disciplinary professional who is capable of adding value in a variety of areas, which is crucial for leadership roles.
Leaders today are expected to have a broad understanding of various functions within their company. They need to know how different departments work, how they are interdependent, and how to manage cross-functional teams. A lateral move helps to prepare you for such roles by expanding your knowledge base and building your leadership potential.
Instead of narrowly focusing on one specific area of expertise, you’ll find yourself equipped with a wide range of skills and experiences that prepare you for the complexities of senior management. As you accumulate these cross-functional skills, you will start to see how various aspects of the business intersect. This holistic view not only allows you to identify problems faster but also helps you to devise more effective solutions that take all factors into account.
Networking Benefits of Lateral Moves
In any career, the people you know can be just as important as the skills you possess. Building a strong network within your organisation and across industries can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and give you a competitive edge. A lateral move is an excellent opportunity to expand your network, which can have far-reaching benefits for your professional growth. While you may be focused on the day-to-day responsibilities of your new role, the relationships you build along the way can be the key to unlocking future career opportunities.
Broadening Your Connections Across the Organisation
One of the most immediate benefits of a lateral move is the chance to interact with different teams, departments, and leaders within your organisation. If you have been working in the same department for years, your network may be limited to colleagues within that particular group. A lateral move, however, forces you to step outside your usual circle and engage with a wider range of individuals who might have different expertise, viewpoints, and experiences.
For instance, moving from a technical role to a more client-facing position allows you to connect with the sales or customer service teams, as well as executives who are responsible for strategic decisions. These new relationships can provide fresh perspectives on the organisation’s goals and challenges. Networking with people from diverse backgrounds can broaden your understanding of the company and may even allow you to contribute new ideas that weren’t previously considered.
In larger organisations, where departments are often siloed, a lateral move is a valuable chance to break down those silos. You’ll be able to meet new colleagues who can provide different insights into the organisation’s operations, helping you build a more holistic understanding of how the business functions. These cross-departmental relationships can give you access to valuable knowledge, resources, and support, which can enhance your effectiveness in your current role and set you up for future opportunities.
Expanding Your Visibility
As you move laterally within an organisation, you increase your visibility. You’re no longer confined to your department or role but are now interacting with people across different levels and areas of the business. Your new colleagues will begin to notice your work ethic, your contributions, and your ability to adapt to new challenges. This increased exposure can help you build your professional reputation and make you a more prominent figure within the organisation.
The more visible you are to others, the more likely it is that you’ll be considered for future promotions, high-profile projects, or special assignments. Managers and senior leaders who may not have been aware of your capabilities in the past will now see your potential and value to the company. This can lead to a stronger presence in the company’s succession planning and talent development processes.
Moreover, being in contact with individuals from different parts of the organisation allows you to stay informed about key developments, such as upcoming vacancies, organisational changes, or major projects. Networking through lateral moves often positions you as someone who is in the loop and aware of opportunities that might not yet be made public. This information can give you a strategic advantage when considering your next career move, whether internally or externally.
Leveraging New Relationships for Future Opportunities
Networking is not just about knowing more people; it’s about forming genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. When you move laterally, you’re exposed to individuals who may have influence or decision-making power when it comes to hiring, promotions, or important projects. Cultivating relationships with these individuals can be invaluable for your future career prospects.
For example, if you’ve built a strong relationship with a manager in another department, they may remember you when a new position becomes available. If you’ve demonstrated your ability to collaborate and add value in your lateral role, they might advocate for you when it comes time to fill a higher-level position. These relationships can be the stepping stones that lead you to greater career success, as they can create opportunities that may not have been accessible otherwise.
Additionally, networking with colleagues from different functions can expose you to different career paths and provide you with advice on how to advance in other areas of the business. You might find that a lateral move into one department leads to a connection with someone who has a similar background or interest, helping you discover a career path that you hadn’t considered previously.
Enhancing Your Personal Brand
Another significant benefit of a lateral move is the opportunity it gives you to build and enhance your personal brand within the organisation. Personal branding is the process of defining and communicating your unique value proposition—what makes you stand out as a professional. As you build relationships through your lateral move, you also have the chance to demonstrate your capabilities in a new context, reinforcing your reputation as a competent, adaptable, and reliable employee.
While you may not gain a promotion or title change immediately, making an impression on your new colleagues can increase your credibility within the company. For example, if you move into a role that requires you to work with a team you’ve never interacted with before, this is an opportunity to show them your skills, your professionalism, and your ability to adapt to new challenges. Over time, your personal brand will be shaped not only by the expertise you’ve gained but also by the relationships you’ve cultivated.
Furthermore, as you expand your network and become more integrated within the organisation, your personal brand can be a valuable asset when it comes time for future opportunities. People in your network will begin to associate you with certain strengths or competencies, and they’ll be more likely to think of you when openings arise. Your brand, shaped by your lateral moves, will serve as an important factor in your career progression, both within the organisation and beyond it.
Networking Across the Industry
While networking within your current organisation is essential, a lateral move can also provide opportunities to expand your professional network beyond the company. For example, if your new role involves interacting with external clients, suppliers, or partners, you’ll build relationships that can be valuable outside the confines of your current organisation. These external contacts can help you stay informed about industry trends, broaden your knowledge, and increase your visibility in the wider job market.
In many cases, your colleagues from different departments may have contacts or relationships with individuals outside the company, and your interactions with them could lead to new opportunities. Building these connections helps you stay competitive and ensures that your career is not solely reliant on internal factors. By networking both inside and outside your organisation, you’re laying the groundwork for a long-term career that is resilient and adaptable.
In conclusion, one of the greatest benefits of a lateral move is the chance to grow and strengthen your professional network. Moving across departments or teams helps you expand your visibility, forge valuable relationships, and enhance your personal brand. The contacts you make during a lateral move can provide you with new opportunities, insights, and career paths that you may not have encountered otherwise. A strong network is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your career, and a lateral move is an ideal opportunity to begin building or enhancing that network.
Lateral Moves and Job Security: A Strategic Approach to Downsizing
Job security is a growing concern for many employees in today’s rapidly changing job market. With economic volatility, technological advancements, and shifting corporate priorities, it is no longer guaranteed that a long-term career with a single company will provide a stable future. Employees are increasingly aware that promotions may not come as frequently as they once did, and layoffs or downsizing can occur at any moment. Given these circumstances, how can you increase your chances of staying with your current organisation, even in difficult times? A lateral move can play a crucial role in protecting your job and improving your job security, even when the threat of downsizing is on the horizon.
Understanding the Dynamics of Downsizing and Its Impact on Job Security
Downsizing is a reality that many organisations face, especially during periods of financial strain, mergers, or restructuring. While layoffs are often viewed as a last resort, many companies undergo workforce reductions in an effort to cut costs, streamline operations, or focus on more profitable areas of their business. Unfortunately, this means that employees in certain departments or with specific roles may be more vulnerable than others.
In times of downsizing, businesses often look for ways to maintain their most valuable employees while letting go of positions that they deem redundant or non-essential. The employees who remain are those who demonstrate exceptional flexibility, adaptability, and a broad understanding of the business. Employees who can step into multiple roles and offer diverse skill sets are much more likely to survive these cuts, as they can be redeployed to new functions or departments that are critical to the organisation’s ongoing operations.
This is where lateral moves can be a game-changer. A lateral move positions you as someone with experience and knowledge in multiple areas of the organisation, making you a more valuable asset in the face of downsizing. Whether it’s shifting from one department to another or taking on new responsibilities that stretch your capabilities, lateral moves make you more indispensable by broadening your skill set and increasing your exposure to different aspects of the business. This makes you less likely to be seen as expendable, as you can fill multiple roles if necessary.
Increasing Your Versatility with Lateral Moves
One of the most important ways to protect your job security is by becoming more versatile. Employees who are seen as versatile and capable of stepping into different roles are often considered “safe” when a company faces a restructuring or downsizing. This is because they can pivot quickly to meet the needs of the business, even when there are significant changes.
For example, let’s say you’re working in a department that is underperforming or facing layoffs, but you have experience in other areas of the company. If there is a need to reassign employees to more critical or high-priority roles, your versatility makes you a prime candidate for reallocation. A lateral move that helps you develop a broader skill set ensures that you’re not limited to one specific function or team. Even if your department is affected by downsizing, your wide-ranging experience makes it easier for the company to retain you and deploy you elsewhere within the organisation.
Taking a lateral move also provides you with the opportunity to understand the company’s business model from different angles. For example, moving from an operations role to a sales or marketing position gives you insight into both the demand and the supply sides of the business. This makes you an invaluable asset during periods of transition, as you can provide the company with a holistic view of its operations, helping to identify areas that need improvement or efficiency.
Moreover, when organisations go through restructuring, employees who have cross-functional knowledge and skills are often better equipped to take on leadership roles or oversee projects that span multiple areas of the business. This broad expertise positions you as an ideal candidate for new responsibilities or initiatives, further boosting your job security.
Becoming More Visible to Leadership
Lateral moves often provide the opportunity to interact with different teams, managers, and even executives. These relationships increase your visibility within the organisation, which can be crucial during times of downsizing. If you’ve only worked within one department or team, your exposure to the senior leadership team may be limited, and you may not be seen as an indispensable part of the organisation.
However, when you take a lateral move to a different department, you expand your circle of influence and gain exposure to decision-makers within the organisation. This can be particularly advantageous during times of downsizing. Senior leaders are more likely to notice employees who have demonstrated their ability to work across various business functions and who have proven their value through their contributions to multiple teams. Being visible to leadership increases the likelihood that you’ll be retained during layoffs or restructuring, as your presence and capabilities are recognised by those who make the critical decisions about workforce reductions.
Furthermore, taking on projects or leadership roles in new departments allows you to show senior leadership that you are adaptable, proactive, and willing to contribute to the success of the company, regardless of the role or department. This can create a stronger case for your retention, as leaders are often more inclined to keep employees who demonstrate initiative, leadership potential, and a willingness to grow and take on new challenges.
Demonstrating Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and adaptability are two of the most valued qualities in today’s ever-changing job market. Companies want employees who can evolve with the business and shift priorities when necessary. A lateral move shows that you are not only willing to step outside your comfort zone but also that you are prepared to adapt to new environments, learn new skills, and take on new challenges.
During times of downsizing, organisations often favour employees who have demonstrated these traits. This is because companies need individuals who can manage uncertainty, work effectively in new situations, and help guide others through change. A lateral move allows you to build your reputation as someone who is capable of navigating shifts within the organisation and stepping up to the plate when required. If you have shown that you can succeed in different departments or handle varying responsibilities, you’re much more likely to be viewed as a reliable employee who can weather any storm, including the turbulence of layoffs or downsizing.
Additionally, companies are more likely to retain employees who are willing to contribute in areas that need immediate attention. A lateral move places you in a position where you can step into high-priority roles or assist in departments that are in need of help. Your ability to pivot and take on new challenges demonstrates to your organisation that you are a resilient and essential employee, further enhancing your job security during times of change.
Building Stronger Relationships Across the Organisation
Another way lateral moves contribute to job security is by helping you build stronger relationships across the organisation. In times of uncertainty, who you know can play a significant role in whether or not you are retained. Employees who have strong networks within the organisation are often better positioned to weather the storm during downsizing. By making a lateral move, you increase the number of people who know you, trust you, and are aware of your contributions to the organisation.
Having a wider network not only makes you more visible to leadership but also provides you with allies throughout the company. For instance, if you have built strong relationships in a department that is considered vital during a downsizing, those colleagues can advocate for your retention or help you transition into a new role. These relationships can be invaluable when it comes to navigating difficult situations within the company, as the support you have from different departments or teams can make a significant difference in how you are perceived.
Lateral moves allow you to forge these critical connections by working closely with colleagues from different functions, backgrounds, and levels of the organisation. The more people you connect with, the stronger your safety net becomes, should layoffs or downsizing occur.
Building Resilience During Economic Uncertainty
In today’s world, economic downturns, mergers, and reorganisations have become more common, and employees need to be prepared to face potential job loss. A lateral move can help you build resilience in the face of such uncertainty. By continuously learning new skills, expanding your network, and increasing your versatility, you become more adaptable to the changing needs of the business.
Lateral moves give you the flexibility to explore different career paths and build a more diverse portfolio of skills. This not only improves your current job security but also provides you with a strong foundation for future opportunities. In times of economic uncertainty, companies are more likely to hire or retain employees who have demonstrated an ability to work across a range of roles and understand various facets of the business. This makes you an even more attractive candidate when opportunities arise, whether within your current organisation or in the broader job market.
The Strategic Role of Lateral Moves in Job Security
In times of downsizing, it’s easy to feel vulnerable, especially if you’re in a department that’s facing cuts. However, a lateral move can act as a strategic tool to protect your job and enhance your job security. By increasing your versatility, demonstrating your ability to adapt, building strong relationships across the organisation, and gaining visibility with leadership, you position yourself as an indispensable asset to the company. Instead of being confined to one specific role or department, lateral moves give you the flexibility to be redeployed to areas that are more critical during periods of change.
Moreover, the relationships you build through lateral moves can help you weather difficult times. When you have a strong network of colleagues who value your contributions and trust your abilities, you’re more likely to be retained or given new opportunities within the company. Even if downsizing is inevitable, the skills, connections, and adaptability gained through lateral moves can provide a significant advantage in maintaining your position or finding new roles within or outside the organisation.
Embracing Change and Adaptability through Lateral Moves
In the modern work environment, change is constant, and adaptability has become a cornerstone of professional success. Whether it’s shifting technologies, evolving industry standards, or changes in company direction, the ability to embrace and adapt to change is more important than ever. A lateral move provides a unique opportunity to grow in this area, pushing you out of your comfort zone and encouraging continuous learning and development. By stepping into new roles and responsibilities, you allow yourself to adapt in ways that can significantly improve your career prospects. This part will delve into how lateral moves foster change and adaptability, helping you not just survive, but thrive in your career.
The Nature of Change in Today’s Workplace
Change has become the norm rather than the exception in the modern workplace. With technological advancements, globalisation, and rapidly evolving consumer expectations, organisations are continuously adjusting to meet the demands of the market. This has resulted in a shifting landscape for employees, where the skills and knowledge that were once enough to secure long-term employment may no longer be sufficient.
The workplace environment is no longer static; instead, it’s dynamic, requiring professionals to remain agile and open to new challenges. For example, digital transformation has seen businesses integrate new technologies that require employees to reskill or upskill. As roles change and evolve, employees are expected to learn and adapt to new tools, systems, and business processes.
In this ever-changing landscape, those who resist change may find themselves left behind. On the other hand, employees who are comfortable with change, who can evolve and embrace new ways of working, are more likely to be successful. A lateral move is one of the most effective ways to foster this adaptability. By moving into a new role or department, you push yourself to navigate unfamiliar territory, which accelerates personal growth and enhances your ability to adapt to future changes.
Lateral Moves as Catalysts for Personal Growth
One of the core benefits of a lateral move is its potential to push you into a space where personal growth is not optional but required. Moving laterally allows you to experience different facets of the business and develop skills that you may not have otherwise gained in your current role. This experience contributes to your personal development by forcing you to learn new concepts, adapt to different teams, and tackle new challenges.
For instance, if you’ve spent your career in a technical role, moving to a customer-facing or leadership position allows you to build interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Similarly, if you’ve been working in a department that is highly specialised, a lateral move to a more generalist role requires you to broaden your perspective and become familiar with a wider range of tasks. This growth is not only valuable to your current organisation but also helps position you as a well-rounded professional with a diverse skill set.
Personal growth doesn’t just happen on the job; it also happens in how you approach new situations. When you take a lateral move, you are often forced to leave your comfort zone, which is an essential component of growth. Over time, this makes you more resilient and better equipped to handle future challenges, whether within the same company or in different organisations. The more you expose yourself to new environments and roles, the more adaptable and resourceful you become.
Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown
One of the primary challenges employees face when considering a lateral move is fear of the unknown. It’s human nature to feel uncertain about stepping into a role that requires new skills or responsibilities, particularly when those skills are outside your current expertise. This fear can be compounded by the risk of failure or the concern that the new role may not be a good fit.
However, facing this fear and taking the plunge into the unknown can be incredibly rewarding. Lateral moves are often the key to overcoming career stagnation or burnout, as they offer a refreshing change of pace and new challenges that reignite your passion for work. The fear of the unknown is natural, but the rewards of embracing it can lead to new career opportunities, stronger relationships, and enhanced personal development.
Embracing change through a lateral move also offers a chance to reflect on your career goals. It allows you to ask yourself whether your current role aligns with your long-term aspirations, or if there is a different direction you might be interested in pursuing. By exploring different roles within the organisation, you may discover new interests and passions that you had not previously considered.
It is important to note that even if you fail or encounter setbacks in your new role, you still gain valuable lessons that contribute to your professional growth. Learning from mistakes and challenges is a powerful tool for development, and it makes you more adaptable to future changes and challenges. It’s through the process of stepping into new roles, taking risks, and overcoming obstacles that you develop resilience and increase your confidence in your ability to handle change.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Lateral moves align closely with the concept of a growth mindset, a term popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Employees with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as threats or roadblocks. They are more likely to take risks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of obstacles.
When you make a lateral move, you adopt a growth mindset because you are embracing new learning opportunities and pushing yourself to improve. Instead of staying in a role where you’ve become comfortable, you are choosing to take on a challenge that forces you to expand your skills and grow as a professional. This willingness to grow and develop in new areas makes you more resilient and adaptable to future changes, both within the organisation and in the broader job market.
Additionally, employees with a growth mindset tend to be more proactive about their career development. They seek out opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and expand their network. Lateral moves are an excellent way to demonstrate a growth mindset to your managers and peers. By continuously striving to learn and adapt, you set yourself up for long-term career success, regardless of the specific role you occupy.
Learning New Systems and Technologies
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying current with new technologies is essential for professional success. Lateral moves offer an opportunity to gain exposure to new systems, tools, and technologies that you may not have used in your current role. By stepping into a different department or team, you’re likely to encounter new software, platforms, or business processes that require you to quickly learn and adapt.
For example, moving from a sales role to a marketing position may require you to learn new customer relationship management (CRM) software, data analysis tools, or marketing automation platforms. These new tools not only expand your skill set but also make you more marketable in the broader job market. As technology continues to shape industries, professionals who are comfortable with new technologies and can quickly adapt to new systems will be in high demand.
Additionally, learning new technologies through lateral moves can help you stay ahead of industry trends and position yourself as an expert in emerging fields. By staying current with technological advancements and acquiring expertise in the latest tools, you set yourself apart from your peers and become a valuable asset to your organisation.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Change is often met with resistance, particularly in established organisations where employees may have been in their roles for many years. People become accustomed to their routines, and the idea of stepping into a new role or department can feel overwhelming. This resistance to change is a natural reaction, but it can also be a barrier to growth and career advancement.
Lateral moves are a great way to break through this resistance. By changing roles or responsibilities, you force yourself to see things from a new perspective and break free from the constraints of your old role. It’s important to recognise that while change can be difficult, it is also an opportunity for improvement. Every time you embrace change, you challenge yourself to grow, adapt, and improve. The more you practice this, the more comfortable you become with change, and the less resistance you will feel in the future.
Additionally, making a lateral move often helps you identify areas where you can improve. Whether it’s learning new skills, improving your leadership abilities, or adapting to a different company culture, lateral moves force you to confront your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. This process of self-improvement and adaptation is key to maintaining a successful and fulfilling career in the modern workplace.
The Long-Term Benefits of Adaptability
The ability to adapt and embrace change offers long-term career benefits that go beyond just your current organisation. The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you’ll have in the future. Employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can thrive in environments of uncertainty and rapid change. Adaptable employees are viewed as resilient, resourceful, and capable of leading teams through transitions.
In addition, a history of lateral moves and adaptability can position you as a leader within your organisation. Those who have the ability to adapt to new roles, technologies, and business processes are often called upon to manage change and lead others through periods of transition. This makes adaptability a key leadership trait, setting you up for future managerial or executive roles.
Furthermore, being adaptable allows you to navigate your career with greater freedom. Rather than being locked into one role or department, you have the flexibility to explore different career paths and take on new challenges that align with your evolving interests and goals. Whether you choose to stay in your current organisation or pursue opportunities elsewhere, adaptability ensures that you can thrive in any environment.
Conclusion
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, embracing change is essential for long-term career success. Lateral moves provide a unique opportunity to develop adaptability, acquire new skills, and position yourself as a versatile, valuable asset to your organisation. By stepping into new roles and departments, you push yourself out of your comfort zone, foster continuous growth, and demonstrate your ability to adapt to new challenges.