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Why people introduce themselves with their workplace titles

Recently, I attended a parent’s meeting at my daughter’s school. Every time a parent stood up to say something, they introduced themselves with their workplace titles. It was as if their titles defined who they were and what they were saying. Mind you, no one mentioned being a father or mother to this student.

I wondered why this is so common. Why do people move around with their titles? I’m not comfortable with people who present their titles as who they are. It feels like they’re covering up for something, like they’re not confident in themselves or their ideas.

One possibility is that people introduce themselves with their titles because they want to establish credibility. They want others to know that they’re experts in their field and that their opinions matter. This can be especially important in professional settings, where people are constantly evaluating each other.

Another possibility is that people introduce themselves with their titles because they want to feel important. They want to be seen as successful and well-respected. This can be a natural human desire, but it can also lead to people becoming arrogant and self-absorbed.

Whatever the reason, I think it’s important to remember that our titles don’t define us. We are more than our jobs. We have unique personalities, experiences, and perspectives that make us who we are. When we introduce ourselves with our titles, we’re basically saying that’s all that matters about us.

But is there a downside to introducing yourself with your workplace title?

I’m especially uncomfortable with people who introduce themselves with academic titles, like “Professor” or “Doctor.” These titles are supposed to be a sign of intelligence and expertise, but I’ve met many people with these titles who are neither intelligent nor experts. In fact, I’ve found that the people who most frequently introduce themselves with their academic titles are the ones who are least confident in their abilities.

So, next time you meet someone who introduces themselves with their title, try to see beyond their job. Ask them questions about their interests, their hobbies, and their family. Get to know the real person behind the title.

Here are some additional thoughts on the matter:

• People who introduce themselves with their titles may be trying to create a sense of distance between themselves and others. They may want to be seen as authority figures or experts, rather than as equals.
• Introducing oneself with one’s title can also be a way of asserting dominance or status. It can be a way of saying, “I’m more important than you because of my job.”
• Of course, there are also legitimate reasons why someone might introduce themselves with their title. For example, if they are meeting with a potential client or customer, they may want to make it clear what their qualifications are.
• But in general, I think it’s better to introduce yourself as a person, not as a title. This shows that you are confident in yourself and your abilities, and that you are interested in getting to know the other person on a personal level.

People who present themselves as Prof….

I think it’s important to note that not all people who introduce themselves with academic titles are doing so for the wrong reasons. There are many intelligent and qualified people who have earned their academic titles through hard work and dedication.

However, I do agree that there are some people who use their academic titles to cover up for incompetency or to create a sense of distance between themselves and others. These people are often the ones who most frequently introduce themselves with their titles, and they are often the ones who are least confident in their abilities.

If you meet someone who introduces themselves as “Professor” or “Doctor,” try to see beyond their title. Ask them questions about their research and their teaching. Get to know the real person behind the title.

So, should you avoid introducing yourself with your workplace title?

It’s up to you. There’s no right or wrong answer. But if you’re looking to make a more genuine connection with people, it’s probably best to avoid leading with your job title.

Additional thoughts

It’s also important to consider the context in which you’re introducing yourself. If you’re at a professional event, it’s perfectly acceptable to use your workplace title. But if you’re at a social event, it’s probably best to avoid it.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your workplace title is just one part of who you are. It doesn’t define you. Don’t forget to share other important aspects of your life, such as your hobbies, interests, and family.