How to Use the "Career Spiral" Technique to Progress Professionally

What is the Career Spiral and Why Does It Work?

Have you ever felt stuck in a professional position, as if you were running on a treadmill? The career spiral is a strategic approach that proposes just the opposite: lateral movements which, instead of climbing vertically, expand your repertoire of skills and knowledge. Imagine a spiral staircase - each side step takes you a little higher, but also gives you a broader view of the whole.

Unlike the traditional linear ascension model - where the focus is only on hierarchical promotions - the spiral values the diversification of experiences. A professional who works in marketing, sales and operations, for example, develops a systemic vision that makes them more valuable for leadership positions. Companies such as LinkedIn have already pointed out that successful executives often have non-linear trajectories.

But why does it work? When you move sideways, you acquire complementary skills that enrich your profile. An engineer who learns project management can become a more effective technical leader. A designer who studies data analysis can make creative decisions based on metrics. These combinations are what make professionals difficult to replace.

And make no mistake: this doesn't mean jumping from job to job aimlessly. The spiral requires intentional planning. Each move must be a piece of a larger puzzle, aligned with a long-term goal. Want an example? A financial analyst who wants to be CFO can seek experience in controlling, strategic planning and even areas such as IT, to understand how technology impacts results.

How to Identify Strategic Lateral Opportunities

The first step in applying the career spiral is to map your aspirations and gaps. Ask yourself: What skills do I lack to get where I want to be? If your dream is to lead a multidisciplinary team, you may need experience in other departments. Tools such as My Next Move help identify the skills required in different careers.

Within your company, pay attention to cross-cutting projects. Many organizations have initiatives that involve collaboration between areas - such as product launches or digital transformation. Participating in these groups is a way of gaining exposure to new functions without having to change positions. A sales manager who sits on an innovation committee, for example, can absorb knowledge of technology and design thinking.

Another strategy is talk to colleagues from other areas. Set up virtual or face-to-face coffees to understand your challenges and processes. These conversations can reveal opportunities that are invisible in the organization chart. Imagine discovering that the logistics team needs someone with your data analysis skills to optimize routes? That could be your next move.

What if your current company doesn't offer these options? Seek external experiencessuch as freelancing, volunteering or practical courses. Platforms such as Coursera offer programs that simulate real challenges in a variety of sectors. An accountant who takes a digital marketing course, for example, could become indispensable in a startup that needs to combine finance and growth.

Overcoming the Challenges of Lateral Movements

Changing area isn't always easy. One of the biggest obstacles is the prejudice against non-linear careers. Some recruiters still see frequent changes as a "lack of focus". How do you get around this? Document your achievements in each role, showing how each transition has added value. Use LinkedIn to tell a coherent narrative - as a customer experience specialist who migrated to product because he wanted to solve problems at their root.

Another challenge is fear of starting over. Accepting a lateral position can mean leaving your comfort zone and sometimes even a temporary reduction in status. But think like an investor: you're diversifying your portfolio of skills in order to reap greater returns in the future. A commercial director who becomes head of operations may lose the "glamor" of sales, but gains crucial insights to become CEO.

Internal resistance also appears. "What if I fail in the new area?" A growth mindset is essential here. Treat every experience as a learning laboratory. Mistakes are part of the process - as long as you use them to adjust your route. Tools such as Mind Tools offer techniques to develop resilience and adaptability.

Finally, have sponsorsnot just mentors. While mentors give advice, sponsors defend their promotions internally. Build relationships with leaders who see your multidisciplinary potential. An HR professional who supports your move into sales could be the bridge to your next opportunity.

How to Sell Your Spiral Path to Employers

Your non-linear CV can be your greatest asset - if you know how to communicate it. Instead of listing positions chronologically, create a narrative of accumulated skills. Use sections such as "Key Competencies" or "Professional Journey" to highlight how each experience has contributed to your differential. Templates in Canva help you visualize this story in a creative way.

In interviews, connect the dots. Explain how your background in finance and marketing gives you a unique advantage to lead a growth team. Hard data is powerful: *"In area X, I learned Y, which allowed me to