As the job market evolves, it is becoming clear that professional growth is no longer strictly linked to substantial salary gains. Many professionals are reconsidering the idea that the only way to advance their careers is through significant financial raises. Instead, they are opting for so-called lateral career growth.
However, do you know what, in fact, constitutes lateral growth? In this article, we will explore this career vision that has driven many professionals to make changes in their organizational trajectories and the main reasons why this movement has grown in recent years. Good reading!
After all, what is lateral career growth?
Lateral career growth refers to a strategy in which professionals seek to advance and develop professionally, not necessarily through hierarchical promotions or significant salary increases. With this, they explore new opportunities that offer different challenges and an expansion of their skills and knowledge.
Instead of seeking solely vertical progression, in which one climbs the company hierarchy, professionals who opt for lateral growth seek horizontal experiences that allow them to diversify their skills and expand their professional background.
This lateral growth choice may involve job changes within or outside the company, moving into different areas or roles that offer new learning and perspectives. It’s a way to enrich your career and acquire a broader set of skills, often with a greater focus on personal and professional satisfaction than on simple financial progression or status.
Lateral growth can be particularly attractive in an ever-evolving job market, where opportunities for vertical advancement may be limited but the possibilities for horizontal growth and continued development are enriching. Below, we will look at practical examples of lateral career growth.
Examples of Lateral Growth
To better understand how lateral career growth happens, it is necessary to work with practical concepts. This way, it may be possible to see cases in our daily lives, from colleagues, friends or acquaintances, and be inspired by any opportunities that may arise.
Change of department
A professional who moves starting with one division then onto the next inside similar organization, taking on new obligations and difficulties, is encountering parallel development.
Expansion of functions
Someone who expands their current duties to include different and more complex tasks, even without a job promotion, is engaging in lateral growth.
Change of sector
Changing starting with one industry area then onto the next while keeping up with a similar position can be an illustration of parallel development.
Participation in special projects
Joining interdisciplinary projects or special projects that allow the development of new skills and knowledge is a practical way of lateral growth.
Development of soft skills
Focusing on acquiring soft skills such as leadership, communication or project management, regardless of current position, is another example of lateral growth.
Benefits of this type of professional growth
Firstly, we can state that lateral growth allows for a diversification of skills and knowledge, making individuals more versatile and adaptable to different challenges and contexts.
By exploring new jobs or industries, employees gain a more extensive comprehension of the gig market and can foster a more extensive scope of abilities, making them more important to managers.
Additionally, parallel development advances work fulfillment as professionals have the chance to participate in projects that are really animating and pertinent to their inclinations and vocation objectives. This can prompt an expansion in inspiration and commitment, adding to a surer workplace.
Finally, this kind of development likewise diminishes reliance on vertical advancements for professional success, which can be especially valuable in conditions where such advancements are restricted.
How to invest in lateral growth?
An effective method for doing this is to seek after interdisciplinary ventures or team up with associates from various offices. This won’t just expand your insight base yet additionally increment your perceivability inside the organization as you will end up being an important asset on numerous fronts.
Regularly asking associates and bosses for criticism to recognize regions where you can improve can help you in this mission. This exhibits your availability for self-improvement and simultaneously coordinates your endeavors in the correct course.
Besides, organizing and tutoring can likewise assume a functioning part in sidelong development, as they associate you to individuals with experience and information who can direct you towards new open doors and difficulties.
By taking on a mentality of constant learning and effectively exploring professional skylines, you will be more ready to adjust to changes and accomplish a promising future in your vocation.