Weird Job Titles in the Hybrid Work World
People have A LOT of opinions about job titles. Recently, the New York Times published this article ‘Head of Team Anywhere,’ and Other Job Titles for an Uncertain Time which was then picked up in this LinkedIn News article.
The comments people wrote in response to the NY Times piece were full of criticism:
"Severe misuse of job titles"
"New titles devalue people's hard work"
"Job titles reflect priority narratives companies want to promote."
However, I think they're all missing the bigger picture.
Job titles don’t matter!
Job titles aren't a reflection of the person, they're a reflection of the ROLE!
People forget you create your own professional identity, it doesn't come from an employer and it's different from your job title.
Like the article says, you can be called something trendy or weird like "Chief Heart Officer," but at the end of the day, you see yourself as the"Empathetic Idea Generator" no matter what company you work for.
Value of the Double Intro
I call this the double title or double intro. Here's why:
An employer has to give you a job title for categorization, hierarchy, and salary schedule sake. They need a way to organize their talent structure and label people. A job title is what they choose to call you, and it's totally up to an employer to name this position whatever appeals to them, whether or not it's transferrable, weird or comparable to the same job at another company.
No matter what job title you're assigned, you are still you. Hence, how do you see yourself in your work? That's more everlasting and authentic.
How to do a double intro
Do a double intro where you use the title you've been given alongside the title you choose for yourself! "I'm the Chief Heart Officer but I call myself the Empathetic Idea Generator because my strength is spreading ideas by listening deeply to people's needs.
In sum, everyone who works for an employer receives a job title and still has a unique professional identity, which is what you call yourself in your work.
TAKEAWAY
If you're job title makes no sense, is trendy or weird, do a double intro. Use a title that reflects who you truly are and how you see yourself alongside your formal job title (which will likely change with your next promotion or job transition anyway).