2024 was the year companies dialed back on raises and promotions. Experts say that anyone who wants to get ahead will need to achieve solid performance, but also be creative about when, how and where they look for opportunities.
CBIZ Talent & Compensation Solutions shares insights from our top Executive Search & Compensation Consultants.
Break the Career Mold: How to Climb, Pivot and Conquer
Climbing the career ladder is often portrayed as a linear path — a steady ascent toward higher titles and greater responsibilities. However, the reality for many professionals is far more complex. The journey is rarely straightforward, with detours, plateaus and even lateral moves shaping the trajectory. For individuals facing this challenge, understanding key strategies can make all the difference in navigating their careers effectively.
1. Redefine Success
Traditional definitions of career advancement focus on promotions and pay raises. While these are valuable, they don’t always align with personal fulfillment or long-term goals. Success can also mean expanding your skillset, taking on diverse projects or finding greater work-life balance. By broadening your perspective, you can recognize progress in forms beyond just climbing the corporate hierarchy.
2. Embrace Lateral Moves
Sometimes, the best way to advance isn’t up — it’s sideways. Lateral moves into different departments or roles can provide invaluable experience and new perspectives. These transitions often position professionals for leadership roles by offering a holistic view of the organization. Embrace opportunities to diversify your experience, even if they don’t come with immediate promotions.
3. Build a Strong Network
Mentorship and professional relationships are crucial to career growth. Seeking guidance from mentors, peers and industry leaders can illuminate paths you might not have considered. Networking isn’t just about advancing your career externally but also about gaining insight, support and collaboration opportunities within your current organization.
4. Develop Critical Skills
Skills like adaptability, communication and strategic thinking are often the differentiators between stagnation and advancement. Continuously investing in professional development ensures you remain competitive and ready for new challenges. Certifications, courses and leadership training can set you apart when promotional opportunities arise.
5. Advocate for Yourself
Visibility is key to advancement. Regularly communicate your achievements and ambitions to leadership. Take initiative by volunteering for high-impact projects or proposing solutions to organizational challenges. When leaders are aware of your contributions and aspirations, you’re more likely to be considered for advancement opportunities.
6. Collaborate and Problem-Solve
Focus on strengthening the team around you. A strong team lifts everyone, including yourself. A mentor once advised that from day one, you should train your replacement. By empowering others, you demonstrate leadership and value. Additionally, take initiative to solve problems, not just identify them. If you spot an issue, tackle it. This proactive approach not only showcases your capability but also positions you as an essential problem solver within the organization.
6. Evaluate the Landscape
Sometimes, career growth within your current organization may be limited. In such cases, consider exploring external opportunities that align with your ambitions and skills. While loyalty to a company is valuable, your career growth should remain a priority. Transitioning to a new environment can reignite passion and present fresh avenues for advancement.
How CBIZ Talent & Compensation Solutions Can Help
CBIZ Talent & Compensation Solutions partners with organizations to identify and fill critical talent gaps that may hinder growth and advancement. Our expertise supports HR teams by enhancing talent acquisition and recruitment, enhancing benchmarking and compensation alignment, furthering leadership development and building stronger talent pipelines.
Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
We help companies find the right talent to fill key roles, ensuring your organization has the expertise needed to support employee growth and advancement.
Benchmarking and Compensation Alignment
CBIZ provides market benchmarking to align compensation structures with industry standards, helping you attract and retain top talent to address organizational needs.
Leadership Development and Career Counseling
Our team designs leadership development programs and offers career counseling to equip employees for future roles and ensure the organization remains competitive.
Succession Planning and Talent Pipelines
CBIZ helps companies build robust talent pipelines, ensuring continuity and reducing the risk of leadership gaps.
The career ladder is rarely a straight climb. With the right strategies and support from CBIZ Talent & Compensation Solutions, HR teams can fill critical talent gaps and empower employees to navigate their professional journeys successfully, driving organizational success along the way. Contact us today to learn more.
Written by Leslie Shaw
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