Many leaders have an awkward relationship with their job titles. Titles drive us to achieve. I distinctly remember the moments I was given the title of senior engineer, then manager, then director, then vice president. Those were big moments that simultaneously made me proud and humble. I also lead outside of my corporation. At my church, I was elected to an elder position, and then subsequently, board chair. When people address me by my formal title, I often do a double-take, as if they are talking to someone else.

My leadership title feels like my business suit. When I put on my suit, I look in the mirror, and I like what I see, but I’m downright uncomfortable the whole time I’m wearing it. I’m more of a hoodie and jeans sort of guy. That’s the real me. However, I know that sometimes putting on a business suit will make me more effective in my leadership role. Titles work the same way. I’m not defined by my title, but it makes me more effective than I would be without it.

Titles and other people

While titles feel a little awkward to the bearer, they also have a predictable impact on the outside world. Titles communicate authority, power, and influence to others. Some leaders wield their titles like a sword, using them to conquer all forms of opposition. Some like to pull rank or play their title like a trump card. Servant leaders take a different approach. They look at a title as something to have, but not to use.

Everyone with a title knows that it causes people to act differently around you. While everyone in an organization regardless of title deserves the utmost respect, it’s a matter of fact that people who hold high titles get a little more. It’s not right or wrong, it just human nature. I operate on both ends of this phenomenon. While I have a VP title, there several layers of authority above me. I can’t help but get a little nervous when interacting with the SVPs, EVPs, CEO, and board directors above me. It’s not the people. They are just like you and me. It’s the titles. Because they have the titles, they get a little more reverence from me.

An opportunity

I’ve made the point that titles are great to have and not use, but that’s not the whole story. I have a discovery to share with you.

When you are in a formal leadership position, you can use that position to make someone’s day. A few weeks ago, I wrote about our need for encouragement. Do you know what amplifies the impact of encouragement? A job title.

Think about the various sources of encouragement you’ve received in the past. When a teammate encourages you, it feels great and strengthens the bond of your team. When your boss encourages you, it makes your day. On the rare occasion when you receive encouragement from a leader several layers up in the organization, it makes your month or year. You might even print it off and hang it on your wall. You’ll probably tell your spouse about it and maybe even your parents. It’s a big deal.

I’ll return to my sword analogy. Swords aren’t just used for conquering. They are also used by a monarch to confer knighthood. What makes knighthood a big deal is the position of the person doing the knighting. If I take a sword and touch it to your shoulder, no one cares. If Queen Elizabeth does it, that’s huge.

Likewise, leaders have an opportunity to encourage and recognize the contributions of their team members. Most of us don’t do this enough. It’s not just because we are busy. I think it’s a side-effect of some healthy humility. I just don’t think I am that special. Remember, I’m just the guy in the jeans and the hoodie. I need to remind myself that I hold a high position. That position doesn’t mean that I should go around conquering. It means that I should go around knighting people in my kingdom.

What does this look like on an average Friday afternoon?

I send an encouraging email to a project team that achieved a major milestone. I pop into a team working session to thank them for doing this important work. I send a note to a team member when they reach a “years of service” milestone. I talk to someone when they are getting ready to retire, so they can tell me stories about the old days.

Those are just a few examples. I haven’t always done an adequate job of encouraging my team. I’m certain that I can do it more frequently and consistently.

Why do it? Not because I’m special, but because it makes a big difference to the recipient. That’s the reason. I know it’s true because I always feel like a million bucks when someone well above me takes the time. Those of us with leadership titles need to pay it forward. It’s one of the best uses of a high position. Don’t waste it.

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