When it comes to describing oneself at meetings, conferences and social events, titles often leave us feeling narrowed down and rarely give the complete picture of what we do.
The gist is we need certain protocols in order to communicate and at the very least, start the conversation. After all, communication is only possible between people who share similar experiences. Try explaining what the color blue is to someone who cannot see and you will understand. So how can we find a way to show what we do without digging a hole with a generic title?
What I Do Is Bigger Then My Title. IT consultants can consult, code, design and be a strategist, and in some case, all of the above. However, they still introduce themselves as consultants regardless. The following sets of questions usually try to define what they do, specifically. Wouldn't it be better to cut to the chase and find out the essence of the work people do?
From CEO To Chief Exalted Officer. Away with titles, it's time we get creative. As we move from a necessity based society to a more empowering and fulfilling one, we need something that captures the heart and soul of what we do. Instead of just repeating meeting after meeting and talks your ready made title, how about throwing in some pixie fairy dust? You're not just another CEO, you are the Chief Exalted Officer. You're not a CFO, you are a Chief Freedom Officer. Let's dig even deeper into it. Coaches don't just coach, they also write, consult, train, are bloggers, do presentations, give talks, do live streaming, so on, so forth. Does the title coach convey this? Surely not.
We live in a society that loves to categorize, compartmentalize, classify and makes sure everything fits into neat little boxes. The problem is that we are far richer, wider and more expansive than what a title can convey. We are multi-dimensional creatures and a 1D title doesn't cut it. So next time someone asks you what you do, don't be so eager to give the ready-made answer. Invite them into your magic, multi-talented world.
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