Burn Your Title

In the same way that it frustrates me when rich people say that money is not important, it similarly frustrates me when high-status people say that status is not important.

I hit the point recently where upon being promoted, I realized I had hit the point where my title didn't matter - people knew who I was and my reputation was out there.

Most liberating moment of my career so far.

I don’t think title burners are paying attention to how organizations work.

I need to know your role or I can’t efficiently work with you. It’s arrogant and abusive to tell me “ya know I just do whatever seems to matter at the moment.” Because then I don’t know what to bring to you, nor what to keep away from you.

If you are a founder then people expect you to be a chaotic force who does what he pleases. Good for you. But otherwise, it doesn’t work to have people drift about. It creates anxiety for no good reason.

That’s not to say you can’t renegotiate your role. But having a clear role allows the people around you to decide for themselves when and how to come to you.