Having had the opportunity to work with and coach executives and leaders at some of the largest brands in the world, I am often asked “How do you think people become top CEOs?”
Most people mistakenly assume that CEOs and executive leaders climb the career ladder one step at time, going from junior management to middle management to upper management, building their skills along the way.
However, it is not that simple in the real world.
Most successful CEO’s and executives that i know, got to the top with a bit of lateral career maneuvering. They did not slowly climb a single ladder – they often hopped between multiple ladders – and each step was not always higher than the last.
So if you are working in a junior management position, say a HR position, moving to a junior management position in marketing or sales or finance, might be more valuable than aiming for a middle management position in the same department.
Why? [Read more…] about Progress through your career laterally – not just in a straight line.