Focus Less on the Title, and More on the Person
- Deanisha
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
In a world where titles and labels often precede introductions, there's a subtle yet profound shift occurring—people are beginning to realize that a title is merely a title. It doesn’t define the essence or the potential of a person. Who you are and the impact that you make, is much more important that any title or position that you may hold. Many people get this confused an allow titles to interfere with who they, who can develop into, and the impact that they can make. So, let's dive into why the person behind the title matters more and how you can cultivate your personal and professional growth to redefine any title you hold.
You Define the Title, Not the Other Way Around
Have you ever met someone who let their title do the talking? They want people to know their title holds weight. They want people to know that their title and position is important. But is there any substance behind the person? A title might suggest certain responsibilities or achievements, but it can never encapsulate the full range of your capabilities, passions, and potential. As the United States senator from New Jersey Corey Booker states, “Titles don't make leaders, actions do." This sentiment applies to any title—be it a manager, teacher, or CEO. It's about what you do with it, not what it does for you. So Instead of focusing on the title, do these 10 things to focus on you and how you can make the title work for you.
“Titles don't make leaders, actions do."
~ Corey Booker
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This perspective fosters resilience and a love for learning. When you embrace this mindset, your title becomes a stepping stone rather than a ceiling. You focus on a continuous cycle of learning and developing, which only makes you as a person. Getting fixated on the title can stifle your growth. So, remember, you have to keep learning and progressing.
Implementation Tips:
Challenge yourself with new tasks that stretch your abilities.
View failures as learning opportunities.
Celebrate your progress, not just the end results.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Networking isn’t just a business buzzword—it’s a crucial element of personal development. The connections you make can offer support, guidance, and opportunities that no title alone could provide. Build your village that will hold you accountable, call you out when needed, keep you grounded, but most important offer you support. Focusing on a title isolates you, because people don’t want to sit around some one who is always throwing their title around. Instead, be authentic and allow people to get to know the person behind the title.
Implementation Tips:
Attend industry events and engage with peers.
Foster genuine relationships by offering help, not just asking for favors.
Keep in touch with former colleagues and mentors.
Be vulnerable and open up.
3. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. High EQ often trumps technical skills when it comes to success and leadership. Emotional Intelligence can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions about what matters most to you. Emotional intelligence helps you connect with people on a deeper level. Remember, in step two we are building relationships and we want them to be genuine.
Implementation Tips:
Practice active listening and empathy (focus less on self and what you want to say)
Reflect on your emotional responses and triggers (think before you speak or act).
Engage in activities like mindfulness or meditation to increase self-awareness (learn as much as you can about yourself.
4. Embrace Lifelong Learning
The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Lifelong learning keeps you relevant and adaptable in any field, enhancing your capabilities beyond your current title. Getting stuck in the title or position can halt that learning because you may start to feel “you have arrived”. I once experienced a person with a title, who I didn’t necessarily view as a leader. I feel that she could be a leader, but on many occasions she would shut down people’s ideas and thoughts by stating her title and how she had the last say. She didn’t realize that she could learn so much from the people who are doing the front line work day-to-day. Remember, you can learn something from any person regardless of title.
Implementation Tips:
Take online courses to learn new skills.
Read books and articles outside your comfort zone.
Attend workshops and seminars to stay updated.
Talk to people you work with. Learn about what they do.
5. Take Initiative
Titles often come with a set of predefined tasks, but taking initiative means going beyond what is expected. It shows leadership and can lead to greater opportunities. As a leader, you will have to delegate, but sometimes you need to take the initiative and do it yourself. Don’t let the title prevent you from getting down in the trenches with your staff. If you see them struggling or notice something that may help, do it. Don’t wait for them to ask and watch them suffer. Jump in and do something.
Implementation Tips:
Identify areas in need of improvement and propose solutions.
Volunteer for projects outside your immediate responsibilities.
Share your ideas confidently in meetings.
6. Cultivate Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’s an essential quality for personal development that ensures you’re not defined by titles or failures. I have seen many leaders hide their mistakes, out of fear of appearing weak or imperfect. Well guess what? We will never be perfect. I know only one perfect person and that’s Christ himself. Showing that you make mistakes and learn from them shows your resilience. It’s shows that you are vulnerable, and it also shows staff that they can make mistakes and use it as a learning lesson as well. This also humanizes you as a leader.
Implementation Tips:
Maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.
Develop coping strategies for stress and setbacks.
Surround yourself with supportive people.
Admit to your mistakes and allow people to see you bounce back.
7. Be Authentic
Authenticity is about being true to yourself, which naturally attracts the right opportunities and people. It ensures that any title you hold aligns with your values and identity. Have you witnessed people transform into someone totally different when they are in a room where they feel like they can flex their title? I rarely tell people that I am an attorney. Why? I do so because I want people to treat me how they would treat me for being just me. I am authentically me and the title is just my functioning title for work. I want to gain respect and relationships for the work that I do and how I show up and treat others.
Implementation Tips:
Regularly assess your values and goals.
Be honest in your communications.
Avoid conforming to expectations that don’t align with who you are.
Don’t look down on others just because your title may be a bit higher on the organizational chart.
8. Set Personal Goals
Setting personal goals gives you direction and motivation. It ensures that your growth is intentional, not accidental, and transcends any title you hold. It pushes you to keep working on you. It forces you to identify your flaws and the personal development will thus continue.
Implementation Tips:
Use SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for goal setting.
Break larger goals into smaller, actionable steps.
Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed.
Don’t stop developing you when you reach a certain level of success. The sky is the limit.
9. Be Adaptable
Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions. In a rapidly changing world, it’s a critical skill that ensures you’re always ready for the next challenge. The title will not help you adapt, but having the skill set to do so is the only way.
Implementation Tips:
Embrace change rather than resist it.
Experiment with different methods to find what works best.
Stay informed about industry trends and innovations.
10. Give Back
Contributing to your community or industry can redefine your legacy beyond any title. It highlights your impact and creates a ripple effect of positive change. Show that you care about others. Show that their personal development matters. Show them that you are more than just that title. Show them that you are human with feelings and empathy.
Implementation Tips:
Volunteer your time or skills to help others.
Mentor someone in your field.
Share your knowledge through writing or speaking engagements.
Check in with the people you lead (wellness checks)
The journey to defining your title and personal development is continuous and multifaceted. It's about embracing growth, building meaningful relationships, and leaving a legacy that speaks louder than any title. As you progress, remember the words of Fred Rogers: “It’s not the honors and not the titles and not the power that is of ultimate importance. It’s what resides inside.” Focus on your direction and values, not just titles and timelines.
Let me Leave you with a few Questions and Challenge
What steps are you taking today to ensure your title reflects your true potential?
How can you use your current role to make a meaningful impact?
Challenge: Choose one strategy from this post and commit to implementing it over the next month. Document your progress and reflect on how it has influenced your personal and professional growth. By focusing less on titles and more on personal development, you unlock the boundless potential within you. So, what will you choose to redefine today?
Use my template to starting working on those personal development goals.
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