Why the Next Move Isn’t Always Up

The world of executive advancement is evolving – and it’s no longer just about reaching the corner office. Today, growth comes in many directions, not just up. 

Your next big career move might not be upward – it might be sideways. Rethink growth, realign your resume, and lead with purpose.

For decades, executive success followed a clear vertical path: climb the ladder, step by step, until you reach the top. But in today’s dynamic professional environment, that rigid model is breaking down. Lateral moves, cross-functional shifts, and even short-term pivots are becoming powerful strategies for senior career growth. These paths allow executives to adapt quickly to emerging business needs and expand their leadership toolkit in real time. Companies are now valuing multidimensional experience as much as – or even more than – traditional title progression. 

The “career lattice” – a concept that emphasizes multi-directional movement – offers executives new ways to expand influence, build resilience, and future-proof their careers. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 23% of jobs will change within the next five years – and nearly half of all worker skills are at risk of disruption. In such an environment, lateral movement isn’t detouring from success – it’s anticipating it. Whether you’re considering a pivot to a new business unit or broadening your scope into digital or global strategy, this is about growth that’s strategic, not just hierarchical. 

What Is a Career Lattice?

Unlike a ladder, where progress is measured in promotions alone, a career lattice allows for upward, sideways, and even diagonal movement. It focuses on skill-building, visibility, and impact – often outside of your current title. 

For senior leaders, this model supports: 

• Executive upskilling in emerging areas 

• Development of future leadership skills across domains 

• Broader personal brand recognition 

• Greater adaptability in volatile markets 

The lattice is particularly relevant in industries experiencing transformation, such as tech, healthcare, and finance. 

The Strategic Value of a Lateral Move

Some executives avoid lateral moves, fearing they signal stagnation. But this perception is outdated. A strategic lateral shift can: 

• Expand your operational scope 

• Build cross-departmental influence 

• Expose you to new revenue streams or business models 

• Accelerate leadership career development 

With 75% of companies reporting talent availability as a top barrier to transformation, executives who expand their breadth – across teams, functions, or geographies—are becoming invaluable change agents (source). 

Think of it as building width before height – deepening your understanding of the organization before reaching the next level. 

Tip: Lateral roles that challenge you to lead different teams, regions, or initiatives can sharpen both technical expertise and emotional intelligence. 

Transitioning across roles – whether from technical leadership to general management, or from regional oversight to global strategy – can be the key to unlocking your next opportunity. These shifts allow you to collect a richer portfolio of executive capabilities, beyond what a vertical promotion alone can offer. For more on how to reposition yourself for this type of move, read our article “Career Transition: Industry Expert to Executive Leader”. 

Resumes That Show Strategic Growth

If your path includes lateral or cross-functional moves, your resume must tell a compelling story. Recruiters should quickly see the intentionality behind each pivot. 

Use your resume to highlight: 

• Skills gained across each transition 

• Business outcomes you drove despite (or because of) the move 

• How the experience positions you for future executive roles 

Incorporate the best skills for resume visibility – such as data-informed decision-making, change management, and cross-functional collaboration. For more tactical advice, read our article “How to Tailor Your Resume for a Job Application”. 

The Skills That Signal Lattice-Worthy Leadership

Building a non-linear career requires non-linear strengths. Here’s what companies look for when hiring from the lattice: 

These skills belong at the forefront of your job skills list – and on your updated resume. For a deeper dive into executive capabilities, read our article “The Best Skills in Senior Leadership and How to Develop Them”. 

Executive Upskilling Through Lateral Paths

A lateral move is often the fastest way to reskill without leaving your organization. Whether it’s leading a digital initiative or rotating through global operations, these moves allow for: 

• On-the-job learning of new technologies 

• Exposure to future leadership skills 

While 60% of the workforce will need training by 2027, only half have access to it. Lateral roles can offer an embedded solution – learning through leadership, not just formal courses. 

• Broader decision-making experiences 

Use a tool like the Experteer Resume Builder to reflect these updates and illustrate how you’re investing in yourself. For more actionable insights, read our article “Elevate Your Executive Resume: Must-Have Keywords & Tools”. 

Resumes for the Lattice Climber

Resume templates often favor linear advancement. But in the lattice model, storytelling matters more than chronology. To stand out: 

• Focus on outcomes, not just titles 

• Use formatting that highlights leadership themes 

• Integrate skills for resume visibility throughout 

The most in-demand skills today aren’t just technical – they include curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Resumes that reflect these dimensions position you for success in a skills-first hiring landscape. 

Your executive resume update should show that you’re not just climbing – you’re building, adapting, and positioning. For more advice on highlighting career evolution in a modern Resume, read our article “Executive Resume Strategy: Show Your Leadership Edge”. 

Lattice Moves and Personal Branding

Each shift you make becomes a chapter in your leadership narrative. That’s where personal branding plays a critical role. 

Are you known for your agility? Innovation across functions? Ability to unite siloed teams? 

Your personal brand should evolve with each step on the lattice. Make sure it communicates not only your track record, but your versatility and foresight as a leader. These traits are often what set top candidates apart in competitive markets. Include these themes across your resume, bio, and online presence. For deeper insight, read our article “What Your Resume Says About Your Personal Brand and How to Improve It”. 

How to Build a Strong Resume That Reflects Growth

Modern resumes must: 

• Prioritize relevance over chronology 

• Emphasize transferable skills 

• Tie each role to a broader career arc 

Think of your resume not as a timeline, but as a value narrative. Focus on achievements, adaptability, and future readiness. Employers want to see not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve evolved. Every role should contribute to a bigger picture of your leadership trajectory. For more inspiration on how to express this, read our article “Enhance Your Executive Resume with Powerful Bullet Points”. 

Is a Lateral Move Right for You?

Ask yourself: 

• Am I learning something new? 

• Will this role expand my influence or scope? 

• Can I fill a skills gap relevant to my next goal? 

If the answer is yes, the move is likely worth it – even without a change in title. 

Redefine Your Next Move

Not all promotions come with a new title. Some come with new capabilities. If you’re preparing for a strategic move, make sure your resume reflects that intention. 

🎯 Try the Resume Builder to craft a future-ready executive profile that showcases your growth, not just your path.