I Don't Care What Your Title is
There. I said it.
I went to a retail tech convention in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.
It was massive, and they did an exceptional job coordinating all the interviews, panels, and the convention floor.
Some of the executives interviewed were painfully out of touch with frontline work - I doubt they'd ever worked in customer service - but others were mindful of the associates on the shop floors.
It was kind of the mix you'd expect at a show like this.
At the start of one interview, I may have audibly groaned.
The person sitting for the interview had worked at his company for over a decade and was in charge of a ton of shit. However, his title was "Manager of whatever." The guy conducting the interview made a point to call attention to his title and note that he was, in fact, more of a CEO. Because "we don't typically interview people with the title of manager," he said.
UGHHHHHHHHH
Right. Because a person with the title of "manager" wouldn't be able to add any value to the conference. Only VPs and CEOs know anything about business.
If you haven't already guessed, I abhor titles.
I've met and worked for people with every title under the sun, and their titles rarely impressed me. How they treated people is what mattered. Some of the most brilliant people I've ever worked with had the title of "sales associate," so do not be distracted by someone's LinkedIn profile or business card.
It doesn't matter.
Most titles are made up anyway.
Treat people well. Listen to them. Be a partner. Keep learning. You won't get bored, and you'll find trustworthy partners in business and life.
MAILBOX
This message landed in my inbox recently.
Retail leadership can be super-lonely, which seems counterintuitive, but read this message.
This manager works in a small boutique with one or two salespeople, but it's only her right now. She also tried connecting with a fellow store leader via Zoom, but he failed to attend their meeting.
"I used to leap out of bed every day so excited to go to the store, but now I dread going to work due to the professional isolation.
I have been struggling with burnout and mental fatigue from working by myself. I thrive in a team environment and enjoy mentoring others, but since I'm solo at the moment, I don't have these aspects of the job to look forward to. I feel lonely, and I am starting to lose motivation which is very much unlike me."
My response:
"I'm so sorry you're feeling unmotivated and burnt out. It's really hard when it's only you. And excuse me, but eff that other manager if he can't even be a partner to you. You should be supporting each other because that's what good leaders do. My advice - see how you feel when you get a couple associates to work with. Or - start applying to other companies with larger teams. Nothing says you have to stay in this role forever. If you thrive with other people, start looking around."
When your job affects your mental state, you DO NOT have to stay there.
Your title does not matter; your health does.
Look around to see what other companies are hiring. If you take a step down, so be it. I've taken a job that was a step down in title and pay to learn how to run bigger teams. It was really super-duper-hard, but it was worth it.
Level Up
One thing you can do today is to be a better leader.
Laugh at yourself.
Would someone at work tell you if you had mascara smeared across your face? Or spinach in your teeth? If not, your team may find you unapproachable.
It's okay; it's not the end of the world. Titles can be intimidating.
When you feel alright messing up in front of your staff or telling them about a time when you didn't have everything together, they will understand that you're a human doing your best, just like they are.
I cannot tell you how many times I did something bone-headed in front of my staff, and we all laughed. Ultimately it brings you all closer together when you don't take yourself too seriously.
If you know anyone else that would like The Voice of the Frontline, please forward this email.
You're the absolute best.
Ready to gain time back, empower your team, and further your career while still being yourself?
Jump to the front of the line for my book, Leadership Field Guide. (Out soon!)
For some reason, too many people are obsessed with titles. They can't be more wrong.