How a Title Shift Sparked a Paradigm Change

For years, I've held a somewhat contrarian view on job titles. As a business co-founder, I saw them as restrictive, two-dimensional labels that often failed to capture the true scope of a role or the ambition of an individual. My expectation was that everyone, regardless of their official designation, would embody the same drive and dedication I brought as an owner. This led to a belief that job titles were, quite frankly, a bit silly.

Then came my new supervisory role. True to my existing mindset, I regularly referenced my job specification, diligently ensuring I was "on track" and fulfilling my defined duties. My internal team always referred to me simply as "their manager," and my title had no bearing on our internal dynamics.

The External Challenge

However, it was in my dealings with external partners – existing suppliers and potential vendors – that my perspective began to shift. I found my "Supervisor" title felt, well, less than authoritative. When negotiating contract renewals and new supplier deals, discussing complex technical requirements, or trying to secure the best terms for our business, I sensed a subtle but significant disconnect. It felt like my title was holding me back, diminishing my perceived influence and, as a result, impacting my effectiveness in securing optimal outcomes for the company.

I started to wonder: could a simple shift in my job title truly make a difference, particularly in these external interactions?

The Profound Impact of a Simple Tweak

So, we made the change. My title was tweaked to Technical Operations Manager. And the effect? It has been nothing short of profound.

This wasn't just a cosmetic update; it immediately provided a newfound sense of purpose and drive. Suddenly, those external conversations felt different. There was a subtle yet undeniable increase in perceived authority and gravitas, which empowered me to negotiate more confidently and effectively. This wasn't about ego; it was about equipping myself with the tools to better serve our business.

This shift has genuinely been a paradigm change for me. It's made me reconsider the strategic value of job titles, especially when a role requires significant external representation or high-stakes negotiation.

Your Own Performance Check-In

My experience has led me to a new conclusion: a job title, when strategically considered and correctly applied, can be truly transformative – for both you and your business.

If you're looking for a powerful self-performance check-in, I'd encourage you to reflect on your own job description. Ask yourself:

• Does my official job title accurately reflect the scope, responsibility, and external influence of my role?
• Is there a gap between the "official expectation" of my title and the success I'm actually delivering for my business, particularly in outward-facing interactions?
• Could a title adjustment empower me to be more effective, authoritative, or impactful in key areas?

Changing a job title should never be done for the sake of it. But if, like me, you find yourself consistently operating beyond the perceived boundaries of your current designation, particularly in external dealings, a thoughtful title evolution could unlock a significant boost in your performance and, ultimately, deliver greater value for your organisation.