I’ve never been one for job titles.
When I’ve had business cards, they’d show my name and then some words in italics underneath it. Those words are smaller. They’re secondary. But in our industry, earning those words is a primary driver for a whole lot of folks.
Sure, there’s value in them. They are a currency of sorts. Leverage for getting your next job. Whatever.
But what they are absolutely not, what they should never be seen as, is permission.
A job title has nothing to do with permission to do a job.
Too often, we view that title as a gatekeeper. We think, “once I get promoted, I’ll be responsible for this project.” Or, “once I’m more senior, management will let me do that thing I want to do.” “Once I get that title, they’ll trust me to handle it.”
But if you treat a title like that, how can you ever really be ready for it? If you’re waiting for the title to start doing the job, you’ll be waiting a long time.
Because a title isn’t permission; it’s recognition. It’s a driver’s license.
A driver’s license isn’t permission to learn to drive a car; it’s the recognition that you already know how.
When you stop fighting for a job title and start fighting for the job itself - championing projects, creating undeniable value, supporting your team mates, driving business goals - you won’t have to ask for a title. Because you’ll already be it.
In our industry, as in all industries, there are those who do their job, and those who get the job done.
So if you want more responsibility, take it. Don’t let some italic words get in the way.
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