1 What is the career lattice?

The career lattice is a model that shows how you can move horizontally, vertically, or diagonally in your career, depending on your needs and preferences. Unlike the career ladder, which assumes a linear progression from lower to higher positions, the career lattice recognizes that there are multiple ways to grow and develop your skills, knowledge, and network. For example, you can move to a different function, department, or industry, or you can take on a project, assignment, or role that expands your scope or responsibility.

2 Why use the career lattice?

The career lattice can help you find new career paths that suit your changing circumstances and aspirations. For instance, you may want to use the career lattice to learn new skills, diversify your experience, increase your visibility, balance your work and personal life, or overcome a challenge in your current role. Doing so can also benefit your employer by increasing your engagement, productivity, and loyalty, as well as fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and diversity.

3 How to use the career lattice?

To use the career lattice effectively, you need to do some self-assessment and research. Start by identifying your strengths, interests, values, and goals. Ask yourself what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what matters to you. Then assess your current situation and opportunities. Consider how satisfied you are with your current role and career as well as any gaps or areas for improvement. Explore potential career paths and evaluate which ones align with your strengths, interests, values, and goals. Consider the benefits and challenges of each path as well as how feasible and realistic they are. Finally, plan and execute your career moves. Prepare for and pursue your chosen path by taking the necessary actions with support from mentors who can help you communicate your value and achievements.

4 Tips for using the career lattice

Using the career lattice can be both exciting and rewarding, as well as challenging and risky. To make the most of it, it is important to be flexible and adaptable, open to new opportunities and experiences, and willing to learn and adjust. Additionally, you should be proactive and strategic in seeking feedback and guidance, as well as building relationships and networks that can help you advance. Being confident and resilient is also essential – believing in yourself and your capabilities, while overcoming any obstacles or setbacks that may arise. Lastly, it is important to be realistic and balanced – setting clear and achievable goals, while also prioritizing your work and personal life.

5 Examples of using the career lattice

Illustrating how the career lattice works, here are some examples of career moves you can make. A horizontal move involves moving to a similar role or level in a different function, department, or industry, such as transitioning from marketing to sales or finance to consulting. On the other hand, a vertical move is when you move to a higher role or level in the same or a different function, department, or industry, such as advancing from manager to director or analyst to consultant. Additionally, a diagonal move is when you move to a different role or level that combines aspects of horizontal and vertical moves, such as shifting from marketing manager to product manager or finance analyst to business analyst. Furthermore, an enrichment move is when you take on a project, assignment, or role that adds to your existing role or level, such as leading a cross-functional team or mentoring a junior colleague. Finally, a reduction move is when you reduce your role or level to accommodate your personal or professional needs like working part-time or taking a sabbatical.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?