Titles define who we are – it’s our identity, it’s a brand, it’s a shortcut. They are created to define our scope of responsibilities and seniority.
But Titles are also in the way of us adding value.
How many times have you heard people say:
- This meeting is for (manager / director / leadership) only
- Oh you are the finance guy – what do you know about marketing
- I thought you are from that department and wouldn’t be interested in this topic.
As much as that organization structure and order provides clarity, it also limits our contribution. Organizations need multi-talented connectors to generate new ideas and bring them to execution quickly.
Titles are getting in the way of us adding value.
It’s not about blindly embracing dynamic workforce and project work, but many organizations can benefit from having people who can flow to the work and understand the actual business end-to-end. Too many times people stay / hide behind a title and block those who are determined and committed to learn and grow – and they will, either at this organization or elsewhere.
Have you been in multi-functional meetings where 4 levels from the same department are present, and the most senior person was persenting everything?
Have you been denied to (non-confidential) projects when you offered to help from prior experience, only because this is not your role?
Have you been denied to do store checks, consumer research, etc. so that you can have a more holistic view of the business you work on, only because you are not in the function?
The most damaging thing you can do to the highest performer is to take away trust, curiousity and the oppportunity to add value.
