Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go: If you want to be the CEO or an SVP or anything that shows up on a traditional org chart, and you give yourself the title now, you may be the only person who recognizes your title, and that’s okay.
You may be wondering, why do it? If it’s only all in your mind, why does it matter? Isn’t that called delusions of grandeur?
Honestly, if you limit yourself to a box on an org chart, your options are limited. You either need to wait for someone to leave the company or get hit by a bus. (Awful, I know, but an old manager used to tell me that all the time and it stuck with me for the past 20 years.) Don’t wait for a promotion, or a box to tell you what you’re known for and bring to the table.
If I waited for a box to open before I started thinking bigger and acting bolder, someone else would get their name in tiny letters in that square that should have been mine.
Three times in my career, twice with small companies and once with a Fortune 500 company, I was hired and then we figured out my title after the offer letter was signed. We agreed on what I was there to do; the interesting part was how other people would view me and my responsibilities based on my title, and that took more time to figure out. (I admit, two times it worked out well for me and one time not so much)
Come on. You probably have friends who have unofficial titles, right?
I had a friend who everyone at work called the Wildchild and she lived up to it. Tough Guy eventually developed a thicker skin and Einstein was indeed great at generating ideas.
Who do you want to be? Become that person now. Don’t wait for a promotion.
What if you want to be known for innovation? Think of yourself as The Goddess of Innovation.
You want to known for your diplomacy? Start being The Peacemaker today.
You want to lead the technical vision for an upcoming product line? What about Tech Guru Genius.
Silly, yes, but also powerful. You are telling yourself not only who you are now but who you are becoming. When you embrace it, people may not know your newest title, but they will feel and experience the difference, trust me.
Let yourself have some fun with it too.
Years ago, I cycled out of the workforce when my children were born, and I told my husband that I was the family Managing Partner. His title was something, let’s say, a little more informal but still important. We refused to give into feeling goofy, talked about our new roles and even made up cheap business cards. No, we were never planning to hand them out or tell another living soul, but it solidified something within that truly mattered.
Give yourself the title of who you are, what you love and who you are becoming. Don’t let someone else put you in a box.
[Tweet “Boxes are for org charts. Who do you want to be?”]
Break the Frame Action
- Pick your title.
- Take two minutes and write down 10 qualities that someone with that title would embody.
- Notice where you are already strong and still have room to grow.
- Step up to owning your new title by increasing your own confidence, competence and creativity where it’s less than a “10” on a scale of 1 – 10.
- Start with one area – not five at a time.
- You won’t go from a 2 to a 10 overnight but since you’re one who gave yourself the title you can also cut yourself some slack to grow into it.
- If you need help, there’s a coach I know who’s happy to partner with you.
- Do it time and time again when you want to stretch and grow. Whatever you do, don’t wait for a promotion – promote yourself now.
Who are you? Will you share your title?
Alli,
In fact, forget the title! Do the work that sparks something inside and creates real change with real results for the organization. Wonderful things happen when we focus here… bigger opportunities will open up along the way.
Great points and inspiration, Alli!
Jon
Amen! Spark something, feel it deeply, get inspired. These are the things that make us want to get out of bed in the morning.
Thanks, Jon!
Alli
I had a job in a company where everyone made up their own title. It was fun to see what people made up. In an early job, I had the official title of Program Manager. People asked me what I did, I told them I was “The Integrator.” That title actually stuck even when my real title changed many times. I was, in truth, The Integrator.
I love that story! The way people experience us often has little to do with our official positions – why not own it?
Also, how cool that you worked somewhere everyone made up their title. I’m sure it set the tone not only for the individual but the culture in a big way.
Thanks, Joy!
BOOM! LOVE it Alli! It’s about taking control of our days…. taking control of our destiny! Fantastic!
Absolutely! You can wait forever for someone to give you a promotion or you can create your experience and step into your leadership this very moment.
Thanks!!
~ Alli
Love this post, Alli!
I do believe that each of us can create our dream titles and move into the positions we think reflect our strengths. I was taught years ago in MBA program to dress for the job I aspire to. That stayed with me throughout my entire career.
Thanks Alli and will share today!
The way we dress is not only about the way others see us but also about the way we see ourselves. Years ago I learned how much attire inspired confidence and even brought out creativity. Great reminder. Thanks, Terri!
What a great article! Love this and I totally agree with you—start acting the part now and wait for the promotion to come later!
I followed my own advice (for once) and didn’t wait for the title before I took over the responsibilities. What was most interesting for me was that once I was acting (and doing) the part, it didn’t matter so much to me whether or not I was actually handed the position. Everyone, including me, knew that I was capable and that was almost better than having to deal with the politics to get the position…
LaRae,
I’ve discovered the same thing. Doing work that’s meaningful and I loved to do mattered most. With every promotion came more crap – and meetings too. Why not create a job you love now right where you are?
Thanks, LaRae!
Hey Alli,
I love this and am doing such! I’m building my own business and titles aren’t required because it’s all MINE! Titles are overrated anyway, right?
Thanks for the inspiration!
B
Titles aren’t required in my business too but I like to give myself informal titles that remind me of who I want to be and how I show up… like masterful coach extraordinaire. 😉 Not pitching it to clients that way but telling myself it’s who I am and letting it shine.
I’m 100% sure you are a Rockstar VA!
~ Alli
Forget the box — I love it Alli. As you say, boxes are for org. charts.
Show your talents, use your talents, contribute your talents, and watch everyone value who you really are.
Great post,
Kate
With you, Kate!! Fully show up and unleash all that you bring. A title is confining, you and I are oh-so-much more.
Thanks!!
Alli