Thursday, May 28, 2009

Realistic job titles

A friend connected with me on LinkedIN, asking me to "proof" her brand new profile for errors.  When I did I was intrigued with her new job title, and started bouncing around a bit looking at other profiles and job titles.  

One of my brothers is a Senior Solutions Architect.  Another friend is the "SVP of System Architecture Practice."  Huh?  The explanation for what those jobs entails is a Master's thesis.    What do you think of "Director of Word-of-Mouth Services," or the impressive "Senior Global Campaigns Manager?"  The list goes on and on.

A personal favorite of mine is from a guy I worked with back in Virginia.  He began as a maintenance man and gradually worked his way up through the company ranks to supervisor, manager and finally Director of Facilities.  When I asked him what his next title was going to be he said, "Shit Magnet."

Here's a few I'd like to have:  Director of Inspiration; Vice President of What If; Senior Vice President of Figure It Out; Executive Director of Make It Happen.  For a c-level suggestion, how about CGTP (Chief Go To Person)?   Now those are titles I can be proud of and understand.

What are your suggestions?