What’s Your Real Title?

5 Comments
Topics: Communication, Leadership

Have you ever told someone your job title only to have them ask you what you really do?  I get that all the time.  Sometimes it’s just impossible to capture the essence of your job in a one or two word description… or maybe we’re just conditioned to be too formal or professional.

Recently we posted a job opportunity at Cross Point for a “Graphic Storyteller” (aka graphic designer) and we completely threw people off.

I love organizations that have some fun and get creative with their job titles:

At Subway you’re a “Sandwich Artist”

At Apple you’re a “Genius”

According to BrazenCareerist.com,

New trends show that typical titles such as “manager,” “web developer” and even the elusive “CEO” have become blasé. Punchier, more creative handles are taking over.

According to MOO.com, a company that creates business cards, this exercise in originality can make you stand out among a sea of boring, traditional titles.

Here are just a few of the top modern job titles MOO.com has come across:

  • Happiness Advocate
  • Social Media Trailblazer
  • Head Cheese
  • Digital Dynamo
  • Copy Cruncher

So if you could change your job title what would it be?

Instead of Executive Director, some days I think Chief Problem Solver, Referee or Chief Aggravator or simply Mom would be more appropriate.

How about you?  What would you change your title to today?

  • Nicole Unice

    So true Jenni! We recently posted jobs (anyone interested??!!) for a Director of Operations and a Director of Media. But those jobs should be “Get it Done Guy” and “fix our media problems guy”. I would choose the title “Firestarter” for myself…I love to get things going!!

  • Hilary

    Your post reminds me of what I used to have to do at the job I had before the one I have now. My official title was “Personal Assistant and Household Manager” but I often had to explain my job as ” ‘Mom’ to Some Rich and Famous Elderly People.” :-)  

    If I changed my title today, it would go from Director of Children’s Ministry to “Big Dreamer and Deep Thinker.” lol

  • Suzie Lind

    I love getting creative with titles and wish we had the ability to do so!  I would change mine to either Shepherdess to Women, or Director of Culture.  Two different things but both represent the different hats I wear in my role.  

  • S. Aboulhosn

    When people ask me what I do….I like to tell them I am a legalized drug dealer. It usually sparks more conversation than saying that I am a pharmacist. 

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