Plenty of people I know love having titles. They love the sound of their name and what comes after it. Mr. So and so – CEO of Company X. Ms. Yadah Yadah – Senior consultant of Blah Blah department. I mean who wouldn’t want their names sounding important, right? I’m sure all of us do. It is a source of pride and achievement. Yes. Titles do give us that sense of accomplishment. It tells us that we have made it. We are on a pedestle. We have reached the top. And I applaud you. Well done.

People follow your every command because of that title. But will they follow you when you do not have it anymore? They will hold on to every word you say because of those sacred words that come after you name. But when they are removed, will they still give you the time of day?

Leadership is all about influence – not titles.

Influence is defined as the capacity or power to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior and opinions of others. You have the power to persuade others.

The true test of leadership is when people still acknowledge you as a leader without the title. They ask you for help and advise though you are not their immediate superior. Why? Because they see you as their leader and you have influence over their lives.

With all humility, I say this. I have had different titles under me. I have been given many positions and have headed different projects. Of course, I have had many positions stripped from me as well. However, I have noticed that people seem to still ask what I think when it comes to different matters. Somehow, they would like to know what my take is on a certain problem or issue. And they do not work for me or are under my jurisdiction. I am humbled whenever this happens. I do not mean to be arrogant. But I am just sharing what I have experienced to be true: It proves that leadership is not about titles but influence.

I, too, have fallen into the title trap. Before, I thought having the title will guarantee that people will follow me. Hey! I’m the leader, aren’t I. But I had to learn the hard way. People don’t follow leaders because they have the position. People follow leaders because they are confident in them regardless if they had the title or not.

I know of leaders who have the title but people do not respect them. They have the important-sounding position but people will not follow them if it were not for the fear of losing their jobs.

Do you know any leader who is like this? I hope it isn’t you.

Good leaders are leaders who people still follow even if they do not have the titles under them.

Let me encourage you today. Instead of making a name for yourself, why not make yourself nameless and make a positive impact in someones life.

If you are so consumed of having a title, then why don’t you stop for a while and consider if the title makes the man or does the man make the title?
If you are a leader today, will people still follow you once you are stripped off that coveted title?

I challenge you to think about it if you really want to be a leader in progress.

Leadership is about influence.