What concept does a career map emphasize that a simple job ladder does not, concerning organizational structure reality?
Strategic sideways movement gaining exposure to different business units
A career map is distinguished from a traditional job ladder because it acknowledges the reality of modern, often flatter organizational structures, which necessitates more than just vertical advancement. While a ladder implies only upward movement, a true career map embraces the reality that strategic lateral movement is often crucial. This sideways movement, which involves gaining exposure to different business units or functions, is instrumental in building the necessary breadth of expertise often required to qualify for higher leadership roles. For example, an IT professional might need time in client-facing technical support to gain communication skills that outweigh extended time spent in purely isolated technical tasks before moving into a Project Lead role. The map illustrates this navigable chart including both vertical ascents and lateral shifts.
