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Earning a promotion or changing roles to one that comes with a better title can be exciting, particularly for those with career progression ambitions. For many, a more senior title is perceived as their ticket to even more growth in the future (for example, if I hold the title of director, my next step could be senior director or vice-president). A change in title can also signify that you are seen and appreciated for your abilities and potential.
Recognition and growth potential are important, but sometimes bigger titles don’t necessarily reflect the real deal. When there is a significant gap between what the title implies and what the role entails, this can actually be a hindrance for future career growth. Whereas a bigger title might initially look good on a resume and seem like a stepping stone to even bigger and better opportunities down the road, a ‘hollow’ title that is not backed by proven experience and capabilities can bite you back in the longer term.
For instance, A client came to me years ago who worked in a large organization for many years in the same department and role. Given her deep technical and industry knowledge she was rewarded with a VP title to entice her to stay. Her skills for that role were valuable, but she did not have any accountability for people or strategy and over the years she had little opportunity for growth and new learning. Bored and feeling stuck she decided to apply for new roles. However, without any people development experience or other accountabilities that would be expected in a VP role, she hit roadblocks. Her VP title was not serving her ambitions.
Similarly, consider a manager (let’s call him “Rod”) who represents an aggregate of various people I’ve either known and/or coached over the years. He was trying to get into a different sector that offered more potential for long-term career opportunities. He had been applying for roles that appeared to be the same level as his current title (manager). While he had plenty of transferable skills, he still wasn’t having success. The expectation in that particular industry was that a manager-level role would need a minimum base of sector-related experience. While he didn’t really want to take a role below the manager level, he eventually realized that if he wanted to break into this new sector, he may need to temporarily set aside his attachment to titles just to get a foot in the door and then work his way back up. Often, people who take this route do work their way back up faster than anticipated.
Careers are like marathons, not sprints
While in many situations titles do matter, they are not always the holy grail to career advancement. It is often said that careers are like marathons and not sprints. You must run each kilometre with a view to the next and the next. So career climbers, like marathoners, would do well to think about not only the next role, but the implications for the next few roles. Here are few thoughts to consider:
Beware the seduction of the title – scrutinize more broadly and deeply: When considering a next role, scrutinize beyond the title: Ask the right questions: Will you be managing people; What level of accountability will you have; What will you get to do; How will you grow from this role. And reflect on how this may potentially serve you for future career growth beyond only the short term.
Beware of the myth that the only way forward is up: Career progression can take many roads. They are not always vertical. Don’t be afraid to zig zag a little. Often, lateral moves can work very well. If a new role can expand your exposure, experience and learning berth, then you will be investing in your career growth which will pay off in many ways. Your resume will shine with new accomplishments and familiarity with new terrain. This is especially important if you are trying to break into a new sector or area outside of your current expertise, like Rod’s situation.
Be open to career detours: If you hold on to titles too rigidly, you might miss out on some valuable opportunities that may come your way. Career detours can happen intentionally or by chance. They can open new doors, bring more clarity and broaden your perspective. All of this can help you make good choices and potentially elevate your confidence too.
Money matters but don’t trip over rounding errors: Money is on everyone’s mind because life is expensive these days, so I don’t want to trivialize this in any way. That said, if a title comes with a little more money but not enough career growth opportunity, the bump in salary may be short lived. Experience, learning and growth opportunities can pay off in more dividends with potentially even better roles farther down the road. By all means, negotiate for all you are worth and consider the financial as part of the package. But not in isolation.
Eileen Chadnick, PCC, of Big Cheese Coaching, is an ICF credentialed, two-time ICF (International Coaching Federation) Prism award winner, who works with leaders (emerging to experienced), and organizations, on navigating, leading and flourishing in times of flux, opportunity and challenge. She is the author of Ease: Manage Overwhelm in Times of Crazy Busy.