In The Workplace

By Rey Elbo

I’m a manager at a major corporation planning to run for president of an industry association. Before I do so, I would like to ask the top management to allow me to use the title of ‘vice president’ to help me win votes. That’s because all current and past presidents of our association have been VPs at least. Of course, I’m not expecting any salary increase, but only the privilege of using a VP title at least for purposes of winning votes. If I win, my position will redound to the benefit of my company which is a manufacturer of consumer products. What do you think? (Itals end) — Red Buddha.
Let me start by telling you this short story: An elementary school principal received a phone call one morning. The nervous voice said: “Sir, Antonio Mendoza won’t be in school today.” The principal was a bit suspicious of the voice. He asked: “Who is calling, please?”
The voice replied: “My father.”
Really, it’s easy to detect liars. Sometimes it’s obvious in body language. I’m not sure how you can start on the wrong foot with your colleagues in the industry. What if you won the election and the truth comes out during your incumbency?
Obviously, it would be disastrous, not only for you and your company but for the industry association as well.
Your bosses may also view your request as an integrity issue. If you can tell a lie to others, then what would that make you in your own organization? It could be a small thing for your management to allow you to use a VP title, but there could be serious and complex long-term implications.
Therefore, I’m discouraging you from faking your job title just to win votes. If you’re really good, then members in your association would not mind electing you to the presidency and will be willing to ignore your junior job title.
In fact, I consider it a feat if you remain humble and vibrant with your current job title.
Therefore, without being asked, I am listing here how you can win votes in your industry association without faking your job title:
One, be patient by working your way to the top. There’s no shortcut. If there is one, it is based on shaky ground. Act as if you’re gunning for a career advancement or promotion in your organization.
Two, be visible to the members of your industry association. There are many ways to do this. You can write articles for its newsletter, or volunteer to act as an emcee, moderator or resource person for its public seminars or workshops. Find a way to make people aware that you’re always there.
Three, promote your company whenever possible. If possible, donate company products or inexpensive giveaways like T-shirts, umbrellas or coffee mugs to an association raffle. Another option is for your company to sponsor a seminar.
Last, be friends with your industry colleagues. Even if you don’t have any intention of winning the presidency, you can’t go wrong by being warm and accommodating to people.
It could be your bridge to important leads to possible employment or new opportunities elsewhere.
Timing is also crucial. When business is good and looks to continue for a good number of years, then being active in an industry association should be welcomed by your top management. Conversely, if the company is suffering from low sales and is being whipped left and right by competition, it’s not always a good idea to indulge in such extra-curricular activity.
Regardless of your industry, your first priority is how to perform your job to the best of your ability. If you’re active in an industry association, chances are, you may have to steal office time to work on your other interests.
On the other hand, your bosses may think that your work load has become too light, and not challenging enough for you. Breaking through this barrier of possible misunderstanding requires effective two-way communication. It should be easy if your work environment encourages an open exchange of ideas.
After all, each one of us has individual priorities which must be reconciled with the company’s vision, mission, and values. As long as you’re working, you have no choice but to follow the dictates of your employer. If they think you shouldn’t fake your job title, then, you have no choice.
Just the same, there’s nothing to worry about. Mark Sanborn is right: “You don’t need a title to be a leader.”
ELBONOMICS: You need more than a job title to be convincing to people.
 
Send feedback or questions to elbonomics@gmail.com or via https://reyelbo.consulting

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