Act As If You Have The Title

Act as if you have the title.

Plus the 6 Pillars to get you the title.

I’ve worked with a number of people who do the work. But are still waiting on the promotion.

They show up, take on more than their “role”, are trusted, indispensable and driven to succeed.

I’m not here to judge or tell people the “right” way to do things or what they should take on.  What I am here to do is to help them get what they want.

So if they aren’t getting the title because of budget cuts, freeze on hiring, etc.

Then, how do you act as if? 

A client is in this exact scenario above. 

The one area of "acting as-if" doesn't work, is they can’t enter the room and the table that is reserved for the title. 

So we explored some pillars that are available to them (your pillars might be different)

Pillar 1:
Do the work
Keep track of the work (a “brag” document - DM if you'd like a copy to use)

Pillar 2:
Is this absolutely true that the company is in a freeze?  Might be, or it might not. Are you hearing of other “special” cases?

Pillar 3: 
Talk to your leader. Hopefully you already have -- share that you aren’t quitting. You love the work and your job and you need them to be your advocate for when the role opens to you. What else would they have you know?

Pillar 4:
Expand your swim lane.  If you are already doing the work and responsible for it, how do you get a seat at the table? 
+ Ask to be included.
+ Make a meeting with the stake holders that you need to be working with 1:1 off of the "table".
+ How much is “this is the way it is” and where can you test the waters if that story is still true?

Pillar 5:
Are you truly doing the role already or is there any skill sets or behaviors that need to be expanded before you can step into it?  (In this case, we had done a 360 and have had management feedback, to know that they are)

Pillar 6:
What’s the company stance?  Look to the values of the company. Are they wanting their leaders to expand their range, take on more projects, show more “leadership”?  Are they walking the talk and can you use the company values in order to help your cause and help you further expand your reach?

What additional pillars would you add?