Is Team Leadership About The Title?

I am working as a technical leader in an organization. I accepted the leadership role a year ago and my On site/Offshore Leader looks at me as a point of contact for the team. However, to date I don’t have the business title as a Technical Leader. What kind of approach should I follow here to get my business title?

The Team Doc Says…

Let’s address the most critical issue in your message first.

Leadership is not a title.

Leadership is a set of behaviors that are natural in some people and learned in others. No one can declare themselves a leader and automatically get followers (unless they are coerced in some way).

It sounds like you are a true leader, without the title and for some reason the title is important to you. That’s okay. Some people need the validation of the title to feel they are truly in a role.

You didn’t mention whether there is pay tied to the team leader title, but I’m making the assumption that it is. In that case, you will want to schedule a meeting with your Offshore Leader to discuss the issue and follow it through to completion.

Make sure you prepare for this meeting first. You don’t want this to be a conflict situation, so make sure you jot down the facts of the situation and the behaviors you have demonstrated that show true leadership. Also jot down your expectations for the outcome of this meeting so you’re clear on that issue.

During the meeting, use a question and answer format to get the answers you are looking for. At the close of the meeting, make sure both you and your Offshore Leader are clear on the next steps and who has what responsibility.