Maybe you’ve tried everything to advance in your company – lateral movement, corporate service, and taking on stretch assignments.  And yet, you seem to have reached a plateau. Sometimes, that is a signal to consider an external move. 

The challenge in selecting the stretch assignment is finding a balance between skill enhancement, exposure, visibility and positioning. Asking the right questions can help you assess the value of pursuing the stretch assignment against the anticipated trade-offs strategically.

Recently, I’ve written about “playing chess” and making lateral movements in your career to strengthen your competitiveness.  Another strategy is corporate service – participating in internal groups or initiatives. This leveling up adds visibility with leaders.

We’re trained to focus on constant, upward mobility.  But advancement isn’t always a direct climb to the mountaintop. Self-assessment offers a baseline for determining what types of lateral moves can better position you for advancement.

When I get to know new clients, one of the things we explore is the strategy they’re using in this often chaotic career game.  Is the strategy like checkers – direct, tactical.  Or similar to chess – nuanced, layered and strategic. 

Not everything we’re holding onto is wrong.  Some of it just doesn’t fit the same way anymore. And sometimes, the it is something we’ve outgrown.  It could be asking more from us than it gives back.

A seasonal check-in is a chance to realign. Maybe even to recommit.  And, set expectations that are both realistic and a little bit aspirational. What area of your life feels ready for a refresh right now?