Making Moves: Navigating Transitions Within Your Job Organization

Imagine this – you’ve been at your company for about a year, you’re getting comfortable in your role and finally hitting your stride. You know the ropes, and you’re starting to feel like a pro. But then, out of the blue, during your one-on-one with your boss, they throw you a curveball – they suggest you check out a completely different role within the company.  

But as you consider it, you can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure in your own backyard. And now, you’re thinking, “Why not? Let’s give it a shot!” Who knew this opportunity was even up for grabs? But now that it’s on your radar, you can’t help but get a little stoked about the adventure ahead.

This is the exact position I found myself in a year ago! My manager asked if I would be interested in moving to another team within the company and took me by surprise. The team I was on was analyzing data and working with numbers and spreadsheets. The team my manager asked me to move to was more writing-based and allowed my personality to show through my work. While both of these teams are incredibly important to our company’s bigger picture, the team my manager asked me about moving to made more sense for my skill set and my personality! I didn’t know this opportunity was an option but immediately felt like this was a good option for me. 

It can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, especially since you’re just beginning to feel confident in the skills from your current role. Let’s dive into things I considered before accepting my position within my organization and the steps I took for a smooth transition, in hopes of helping others who may find themselves in this position! 

First Step Towards Change

Before you make a commitment to switch to a new team or take on a different role within the company, it’s important to take some time to consider what your daily routine will look like with this change. While you’re already part of the organization, it’s essential to take a step back and assess if this position is genuinely the right fit for you. Let’s explore some questions to consider as you carefully think through your decision:

• How is success defined in this role? 
• What will my new responsibilities be? 
• Will I fit into the culture of my new team? 
• What professional development opportunities are available for this position? 
• What does a typical day look like in this new role? 

These are just a few of the important things to ask yourself before making your final decision. Also, consider having a chat with your soon-to-be team members. I asked A LOT of questions to my coworkers who were on my new team. The questions I listed above are real-life examples of what I asked those on the new team. It’s the ideal opportunity to understand what their typical day looks like and how they tackle their responsibilities.

These conversations can be eye-opening and provide valuable insights into your potential future within the team. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and gather all the information you need to make a well-informed choice. You’ve got this!

It’s important to remember that moving “over” within a company before moving “up” is not a negative thing at all. Taking a lateral move into a new role might actually position you better for your future within the company. Sometimes, finding the perfect fit in a role can ensure that your growth with the company feels organic and aligned with your aspirations. Embracing the right fit can be a stepping stone to bigger opportunities down the road. 

Tips for a Successful Transition

Congratulations, you’ve accepted the new position! 

Now comes the hardest part – the transition. Change is tough, so give yourself some grace. It can be intimidating to be the newest one on a team that feels like a well-oiled machine, but remember, everyone was new at one point! 

Here are things you can do every day to ensure a successful transition: 

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions
• Give yourself grace when learning new things
• Embrace the learning curve 
• Don’t compare yourself to other team members
• Seek out learning opportunities (webinars, internal presentations, networking events, etc.)

These tips might seem small, but trust me, if you make them part of your everyday routine, they can do some serious magic. Imagine them as your secret helpers, quietly ironing out the kinks and uncertainties that usually come with change. Over time, you’ll start feeling more in the groove, more at home, and before you know it you’ll be the one training someone new!

Wrapping Up – Embrace the Journey

In conclusion, transitioning positions within your job organization is an adventure worth embarking on. Don’t be afraid to explore new possibilities, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Be open to learning, embrace the highs and lows, and build strong connections within your workplace. Remember, every step you take adds value to your career journey and shapes you into a well-rounded professional.