Savvy Professionals Series: Titles Matter - Don't Sell Yourself Short

Recently a friend asked me for some guidance.  A friend of hers was working for a small company and had been given a title that was far above what he did for the company.  He didn't mind the inflated title until he started looking to make a move to a new company and realized that he did not have the experience to make a lateral move.  Trying to make a move upward was completely out of the question.  Her question for me was how could he explain to potential employers why he was willing to take a step down in title.  I put my head in my hands in frustration.

Another friend is running a multi-million dollar, multiple location medical group and is called a "Patient Coordinator".  Excuse me, what "Patient Coordinator" runs a multi-million dollar budget, manages over 30 staff members of all ranks and titles, handles all operation and facility issues, participates in partnership meetings, plans all corporate events, makes autonomous decisions daily on behalf of the organization's partners, designs and administers customer service expectations, and more!?!?  I have told her to be careful of the title, but she is hesitant to say anything to her boss because it may give him the false belief that she wants to leave.  Plus, her salary is generous and reflects what she does. 

Why should you care about your title?

There are three big reasons.  First, a title gives your colleagues, subordinates, competitors and vendors an understanding of your power and control which can make you more effective on a daily basis.  People have a general idea of your circle of influence and your areas of responsibility.  Second, an appropriate title helps in compensation negotiations.  Not only does it put you and your company on the same page when determining compensation, but it helps you find comparable salary data to share in those negotiations.  Finally, there will come a time when it is right for you to move on and it is difficult to market yourself to potential employers when you have to explain your title versus your experience and responsibilities.

Don't be complacent when taking on a new title.  Work with your employer to select a title that puts you in a position to most effectively do your job and take care of yourself.