Quick Question: How do I lead someone obsessed with titles?
Quick Question
Here is today's quick question for you...How do I lead someone obsessed with titles?
Behind the focus on hierarchy, there’s usually a deeper need. Often, it’s a need for recognition, security, or belonging. If we dismiss this as vanity or immaturity, we miss the opportunity to understand what's driving the behaviour.
Ask it when you're...
Feeling frustrated by behaviour - When a preoccupation with status is affecting team dynamics, look beneath the surface to find the underlying need.
Evaluating promotions - If you're considering advancement but worried about someone’s hierarchy focus, this question helps you to distinguish between healthy ambition and problematic status orientation.
Changing structure - When hierarchies shift, people who've found identity in titles often struggle with the transition and need different support.
Listen for...
Try to listen for:
Insecurity - when someone's focus on hierarchy stems from uncertainty about their value or place in the team.
Ambition - sometimes what appears to be title obsession is actually a hunger for impact.
Confusion - when unclear structures or inconsistent recognition systems drive team members to seek validation through a formal hierarchy.
Follow up with...
Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the one extra question you take the time to ask.
In this situation, you could try…
What are they actually seeking?
How might I help them find confidence in their contribution?
What would change if they felt more valued for their unique strengths?
Ready to go deeper?
Is this question hitting close to home? Let's schedule a time to explore how it applies to your leadership context and what you might do about it.