When to Say Yes to Lateral Executive Career Moves was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Promotions and higher salaries may seem like the only signs of career success. However, growth can also happen when you make a lateral career move by taking a job at the same level.
Your pay may not change much, and the scope of work may be similar. You could also only need the same skills you did in your previous role, avoiding the immediate need for further learning.
A lateral move will help you gain new experiences and expand your network, but deciding when it’s ideal may be tough. Here are some indicators you should say yes to such an offer.
☝ The Company Culture Is a Better Fit
Staying in a toxic or misaligned work culture can drain your energy and motivation. You may have to navigate office politics and avoid conflict with confrontational coworkers. Besides, you may feel unsupported and like you’re the only one trying to move the team forward.
Consider a lateral move if your workplace doesn’t align with your values and leadership styles. Choose a company that will support your goals and match your interests by focusing on signs like:
- Leaders who support collaboration
- Open communication across departments
- Support for mental health
- Significant investment in employee development
You’ll value your job more when you find a workplace that accepts and encourages your beliefs. The decision will allow you to thrive and be proud of your impact.
☝ The Industry Holds More Long-Term Promise
Many industries go through cycles, but if your area is losing money and people are quitting, it might be time to look elsewhere.
At first, moving to another role after working your way to an executive position is difficult, but it may be necessary for career growth. You may have to learn new tools, understand new business terms, and work with different teams.
Besides, you could even need to accept a slight pay cut or give up some comforts while you learn the ropes. But if the new industry grows, the short-term sacrifice will fuel your long-term success. If you’re unsure whether you should consider a career transition into a lateral role, ask questions like:
- Is my current industry slowing down or becoming less stable?
- Are other industries growing faster or creating more job opportunities?
- Can I use my leadership skills in a new space, even if I need to learn a few things?
- Will the new industry still be stable in five or ten years?
One worry you may have when moving to a new industry is how you’ll succeed if you’re not an expert. Luckily, you can leverage your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities in any field. You just need to be open-minded and ready to grow, even if the change initially feels scary.
☝ You Want More Work-Life Balance
As an executive, you may work long hours, attend late-night meetings, and even travel on weekends. The stress will eventually affect your health and reduce time for your family and hobbies.
A lateral move might be the right choice if you want to have a career without neglecting other parts of your life. Still, the decision may feel like you’re stepping down or giving up on your progress.
However, you’re just choosing a job that fits your life better. For example, you might move from a global role with teams in many time zones to a regional one with a manageable schedule. You could also leave a job that requires weekly travel for one with remote work or hybrid options.
Making such decisions will help you achieve a healthier routine and provide more time to spend with your loved ones. The work-life balance will also reduce stress and boost your work morale.
☝ You Need Broader Experience to Reach the Top
You may be great at some tasks due to your exposure, but also lack some abilities. For example, you could be good at building brand strategy and managing campaigns but lack a clue about working with product teams.
A lateral role in an area you haven’t worked in will broaden your expertise. If you’re considering it, you can ask yourself questions such as:
- Will the move help me gain new skills or knowledge?
- Does it give me access to parts of the business I’ve never worked in?
- Does it fill a gap in my executive experience?
- Could it make me a better candidate for the next big role?
- Is there someone in the new department I can learn from?
If the answer to some of these questions is yes, you should shift to a lateral executive role. Instead of waiting for a growth opportunity to land in your lap, you’ll build your skills and be in charge of your career.
Other executives will also respect you and be more confident in your decisions when they learn about your journey. They’ll know you’ve managed teams from multiple angles and believe in your ability to handle tough choices.
☝ You Want to Explore a Different Leadership Style
Every job, team, and company requires different leadership styles. However, your current workplace may focus on a specific approach, making it harder to manage your team.
After following a specific leadership style for a long time, you may want to explore other methods that feel more aligned with your personality.
A lateral executive career move will allow you to customize your leadership. It expands your perspective and helps you build new skills. You’ll be able to see problems from a different angle and test your flexibility and creativity.
If you currently work in a rule-heavy workplace, consider shifting to one that encourages new ideas. You could also transition to a larger company with clear systems if you work in a casual startup. Such shifts let you try new leadership styles and become a well-rounded executive.
Fuel Your Executive Career Growth With Lateral Moves
Accepting a lateral career role will allow you to learn, network, and explore different leadership styles. Consider the move if the new position will expand your expertise or offer a better work-life balance.
You should also say yes if you need more experience to climb the career ladder and can’t get it in your current role. Saying yes to a lateral executive career move is the best way to discover long-term growth opportunities and stay relevant.
