On my most recent trip back from Chicago, I stopped by a bookstore in Terminal 3 of the O’hare airport for something new to read while I waiting for my flight to board. The book I picked up was titled You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader by Mark Sanborn. What caught my attention about the book is something our Center Director frequently says, “I don’t care what title I have, call me what you want, what matters is what I do and the difference I make.”
Sanborns book is about the untitled leader, a phrase he frequently uses. While reading I kept tearing my receipt apart to bookmark pages for review later. By the end of the short 100 page book, I had a very small sliver of a receipt left. In all honesty I probably could have marked every other page.
Sanborn introduces concepts meant to help readers become true leaders; he also offers advice to leaders to help their companies. One piece of advice he offers is rather than looking for best practices, look for better practices. Basically, keep working to make things better. He writes “Todays best practices are next year’s discarded fads”.
One of my favorite quotes is from Marc Cenedella of TheLadders.com. Sanborn quotes Cenedell as saying “You’re never going to get hired based on your title In and of itself. A title’s more useful internally to your company and for how you feel you’re viewed.” Sanborn writes of a receptionist with a sign on her desk that reads “Receptionistville. Population 1.” The same receptionist refers to herself as the Intergalactic Empress.
I loved this book. It was a great, short read that delivered a big punch, for me anyway. The only negative thing I could say is that maybe Sanborns use of quotes is a bit overdone.
My intent is to recommend this book for the managers in my office. We are in the process of implementing a new culture that has a focus on a serving mentality and this book goes a hand in hand with our mission.
What your thoughts on being title-free. Is it really feasible in todays corporate world?
Editors note: I bought this book myself, no one recommended it to me or paid me for the review you just read. However if the publisher wants to send me about 15 copies I’ll give them to the leadership team in my office. Don’t judge me, a girls gotta try J
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Thanks for sharing the book. I’ve always struggled with titles. On one hand, they don’t mean a thing. On another, they imply alot. I just might have to pick this book up and explore the matter further.
Titles can be overrated and yet they get people’s attention. They are like designer clothes. But if you can’t back up the title with solid skills then they are pointless.
Love the title of the book and what it implies. I need to talk to you about my new leadership project. Maybe you’ll be interested in participating as a resource.
Thanks for the review!
@Sharlyn – Some imply more than they should. I do recommend giving the book a read if titles is something you’ve given some thought too.
@HR Minion – As the Strategic Napping Officer, I’m sure you are aware of how titles can impact ones resume
@Ben – Read it. Sure, shoot me an email!
I’ve experienced the joys of titles first hand. Working in the small business, I’ve never worried about or wanted a title. But I’ve had some people join our company in the past and they were more worried about titles than actual work. I would think in my head you’ve been here 2 months your title is “you haven’t done anything yet so I don’t know what your title should be and you haven’t earned one yet.”
I think titles are needed but they should be earned and not just given.
I would like to say that titles do not matter but in my experience that’s just not true. In my previous positions as Tech Lead, Project Manager or SME I often had to use my political skills to get people’s attention on tasks or problems. In my current position I simple mention my title and 9 out if 10 times, I get people’s attention immediately. My current title? Director.
In a time of buzz words and trendy terms, everyone is a “leader” has become one of the them. I think it is important to realize the difference you make and the potential you have.
Just because you are human, does not make you a leader; but any human can become a leader!
I will have to check into that book!
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