Move Upto

by Andreas von der Heydt

Andreas von der HeydtSenior Executive,

Leadership & Executive Coach, LinkedIn Influencer, Author, Speaker

The traditional corporate career ladder model is (almost) passé.

Fortunately!

Nowadays, more and more people experience forward progression besides and beyond the classic "up“ career path. Sometimes you even need to be willing to take a (perceived) step back or sideways to move forward/

Therefore, don´t worry about what others think and try making you believe. You know better. That´s what counts. Read on to find out more!

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

For example, Sheryl Sandberg´s job at Google was a step back from her job as chief of staff (at least some might think so). She went from a job with a team of tens of thousands in the US Treasury to her job at Google with a team of four.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Lateral MoveIn these times, career flexibility and creativity have become as crucial as trajectory. “Up" isn't the only direction for which to go in your career. A Lateral Move, aka side-step, is worth considering.

This is a move either within your current company (e.g. into a different department) or to a new organization with similar job title, responsibilities, pay, etc.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

How? “Thinking and Moving Sideways“ enriches significantly your perspectives and experiences.

You can acquire new knowledge and skills.

It helps build your network in new

departments and areas of the organization.

You can work with someone that can be

your mentor and learn from him/her It shows that you´re

open-minded, willing to leave your comfort zone, and eager to learn and to

take risks.

Helps you mature and get ready for more

senior roles with broader responsibilities.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Why?Don´t discount the required thinking and prep work needed for a successful side step. And don´t underestimate the cultural challenges besides having to acquire new skills. Some thoughts and recommendations for a successful lateral move:

Stay open-minded and think in alternativesabout your work, job, and career. Think colors. Think zigzag and non-linear. Think laterally. Think outside–of-the-box, upside down, and don´t allow others telling you what they think your career should look like.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Explore and assess all optionsOnce you mentally settled on a side step, do some research and/or internal networking to learn more about other areas of the company. Maybe you take on a project for another department or you shadow someone?

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Develop a plan with a long-term focusMake lateral rotations part of it. Look for those roles where you can acquire skills you might miss to further grow and progress. This might be leadership experience, negotiations skills, technical expertise, etc. For example, if your background were in marketing and sales, ever tried managing a tech team?

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Leverage horizontal structuresLook across versus down and up. Build and develop new networks and connections. Focus more on giving and sharing. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and re-learn. Embrace to fail and trust in the support you will receive.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Follow your passionEnsure you´re doing what you´re passionate about and that you learn and enjoy your experience during a lateral move. Be courageous and be willing taking risks. Time is precious especially when you´re willing to choose a career detour. Do what´s right for you based on your vision and goals and which adds value. To the company and yourself.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

When looking for your next career challenge, climbing the corporate ladder might not be the only way. Instead a lateral move might lead to your career destiny.

And in the mid-term even faster and more successfully.

It all depends on how you plan and perceive a side step and how best to execute it and when. If done well, it will pay off in the future.

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

How To Make a Successful Lateral Career Move

Follow your passion

Leverage horizontal structures

Develop a plan with a long-term focus

Stay open-minded and think in alternatives

Explore and assess all options

© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

Find out more tips on how to boost your career in my new book

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© Andreas von der Heydt – Moving Over to Move Up

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Andreas von der HeydtSenior Executive,

Leadership & Executive Coach, LinkedIn Influencer, Author, Speaker