The continuous innovation within digital channels and the rise of new industries such as the Internet of Things coupled with ruthless competition have led to professionals seeking roles not confined to traditional monikers. In this ever-growing and ever-changing creative economy fueled by information and technology, people need to continually think outside the box. To do so, they must exempt themselves from “in-the-box” titles.
This shifting trend in empowering professionals and top recruitment consultants to employ more playful job titles in the workforce do redefine the purpose and importance of a job title. The ever-increasing competitive nature of the marketplace means a company’s differentiation is their team members. Changing job titles with something containing more personality may just be the potential perk to create a job that makes them feel alive.
Employees must be able to seek out ways to derive creativity and maintain a degree of fun. By shifting away from traditional job titles, they’ll uncover new ways to use their unique talents and skill sets.
Job Titles: Conventions and Trends
In a conventional workplace setting, traditional job titles are indicators of rank. Job titles have always been the measure of a career’s worth. They are hierarchical by nature, often used to determine artificial authority within an organization.
But if you want your team to work with greater purpose and urgency, they must be able to share their talents despite their hierarchical position. In this aspect, conventional wisdom and hierarchical titles must go.
And while a surge in newly-crafted titles such as Digital Prophet, Unicorn-in-Chief, or Java Sensei have cropped up in recent years, title inflation is not a new phenomenon. The idea of title inflation goes as far back as the 80s, and perhaps even further.
The beloved TV show “Cheers” parodied this seemingly internet-era phenomenon when waitress Carla Tortelli and bartender Sam Malone were given the titles “Managing Director of Waitresses” and “Executive Supervising Bartender,” respectively.
The problem with job titles
The origin of traditional job titles came about in the 1930s when organizations required defined roles to manage increasingly complex work environments. But in the ‘90s, employees started voicing out their concerns regarding job titles and how they may be perceived. After all, a glossy job title doesn’t necessarily give you a role with more money, prestige or meaning.
What you need to do is to look beyond the hype and know how to uncover clear, fulfilling opportunities.
Essentials for a fulfilling career
If your job doesn’t leave you feeling challenged or satisfied, what you need to do is to change the criteria in which you discern between a job role and its title. Instead of seeking prestige, pursue respect. Instead of money, seek out work that accounts for your strengths, personality, and interests, using your unique talents in a role with ethical work that benefits the broader society.
Such criteria are scientifically proven elements to give you a boost in positive emotions. Using your unique talents and strengths makes you feel great. This will lead to the pursuit of your passions and a genuine work-life balance.
Getting into the meat of a role
So you’ve done a thorough self-assessment and found careers compatible with your personal traits and interests. But how do you know that the job is a good fit? This is the time to review more than just the responsibilities and paycheck.
The process of defining if a job leads to fulfilling opportunities can take many forms. What’s important is that you experience good culture fit, the position is interesting and challenging, it agrees with the lifestyle you want, and it leaves you feeling professionally satisfied while fitting into your career narrative.
In all the excitement of receiving a job offer, pause for a second to ask yourself such questions. Remember that the job search is a two-way street. It’s important the job satisfies you, and aligns with your values and interests.
Conclusion
In today’s employment market, the unprecedented rate of innovation is leading to cultural shifts in how we measure the importance of a job title.
So what, exactly, is in a name? In today’s job market, very little. While a title may give prospective employers a glimpse into your skill sets and talents, the swift changes occurring in the supply and demand of skilled and professional workers are reducing the importance of titles.
Job titles today often bear little resemblance to work being carried out. To shine in this highly competitive marketplace, aim the spotlight on the responsibilities and accomplishments you’ve achieved in that role. Zeroing in on the work and attributes associated with that title can make a big difference in attracting the latest jobs that will make you feel authentic and alive.
David Mackenzie is a recruitment professional with over twenty years’ experience in the field and a record of entrepreneurial accomplishment, David is Managing Director and Head of HR at Mackenzie Jones.
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