‘Titles’ vs ‘Roles’ — It’s Like the Chocolate Sauce and Cherry Without the Ice Cream!

Zaithoon Bin Ahamed
Nov 8 · 3 min read

I was recently having a conversation with someone who was upset about not getting promoted — the title was very attractive and important …apparently!

I laughed because there was so much focus on the title and not the role or expectations in terms of what it entailed. It’s a common story.

Why? Because we’re a very hierarchical society and ‘title’ means everything (even if it, in reality, means nothing).

But did you know it costs only around LKR15,000 (less than $100) to obtain any title of the highest esteem in Sri Lanka?! Just register a random company and give yourself a dream title or a multitude of titles (Founder, CEO, Chairman, Managing Director, Director) — and you don’t have to do anything either! It’s that simple. That’s what I told my friend.

What most fail to understand, however, is that you don’t need titles to be good leaders. You just have to ‘do’ meaningful work and be positive influencers on society, in your home, and at work. If you succeed, titles will come eventually.

In a professional context, I wrote in a previous blog about focusing on the work and not the title. That will always hold true for me. If you do your work with absolute ownership, responsibility, and passion, you will progress and move up the ladder. If you only focus on the title, chances are you won’t focus enough on the work that will help you get there. No one is entitled to anything. You have to focus on what you do and do that well.

So, what’s this obsession with title? Does it really matter? I could think of two possible reasons:

  1. One would argue that authority to do things or influence change comes with titles. Yes, indeed, I agree. However, it’s also important to understand that titles are not determined by entitlement. Rather, it comes to those who add value through good work. It doesn’t just come to you. What you should do is continue to focus on your role and go over and beyond what’s expected of you. Your role, if performed well, will enable you to do meaningful work that can influence those with authority. And eventually, it can take you to where you aspire to be someday. This allows you to add value and is the right way to reach your ambitions. Become an influencer, not a title. You don’t need the title to be a good leader.
  2. In societies like ours, it’s all about the ‘title.’ The same person I was speaking to said a title for him was important because it made his profile look good for marriage proposals. Yes, again, it’s a problem with a non-progressive society. Having a powerful title printed on a business card is a reflection of success. Most fail to realize that we’re living in an era where you don’t need to own anything, yet have access to everything to have a good and fulfilling life. Just register that company and get your dream title, but don’t let the title swell your ego! Focus on your real work and on ‘influencing’ decision-makers with your outstanding work.

When people ask me ‘what’s your designation’ (at the company I work for) I correct them and say — you mean what’s my role or what I do, because it’s far more interesting and exciting to explain what I do.

Aim to be a positive influencer, not a title holder.

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” John Maxwell

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