How can you choose the most appropriate job title when wearing many 'hats' in your company?
As a very new small business, anyone I bring on to my team is going to be responsible for more than one area of expertise. How can I name or define their positions when they are going to be doing much more than one thing?
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Feb 4, 2015
I'm going to approach this from a different aspect. My assumption is that job titles are a tool, and sometimes bear little relation to the task list or job responsibility as actually performed. We should ask what we want this tool to accomplish. In my opinion, broadly across the company, job titles communicate information, and they do so both internally and externally.
Frequently I find that internally job titles are used for two primary reasons: 1) to communicate ones designated position in the hierarchical structure of the company; 2) as an incentive to motivate an employee in lieu of money. In my opinion the second is a terrible reason to create a job title, but tragically I've seen it often enough.
In an ideal world, internally everyone focuses on functional flow of work and job titles become far less important than job function.
However, those approaching from the outside have no knowledge of a given individual's functions, and looks to the title on the card ( website, twitter account, LinkedIn account, Facebook page…) to try and grasp an individuals area of functional expertise and their level of authority.
Therefore my recommendation is that you assign job titles based on how you want the external world to perceive that individual when they are out representing the company. I once entertained using the job title of "Wizard", it really didn't accomplish any of the above so I abandoned it in terms of practicality. There is a common vocabulary in business, and although clichés are bad, they do convey a lot of information quickly.
So, if an individual is responsible for moving product out the door and he has the authority to sign the deal, he is a sales director regardless of whatever else he is when he enters the building.
Just a different take as you consider this. If you like to discuss it further, feel free to contact me.
Feb 4, 2015
Pick a familiar, broad title people are familiar with. At start-up stage, titles have little meaning as most people involved wear multiple hats. What the titles should reflect is the decision-making hierachy. Owner/President/CEO may be used to reflect final/ veto power. Executive VP used to show authority, but not necessarily the decision maker; etc.
At start-up, you will have enough of a challenge enlightening people as to your concepts/ products / services. You do not want to distract from that by having to explain your title.
Feb 3, 2015
Depends on what level on involvement they have in your company. Usually the individuals who wear the most hats are called founders, co founders, or managing partners. Everyone else on your staff should either have a c level title (ceo, cmo, cto, coo), president or vp of department title, or a specific job description with a specific role and job title. Another way to go about this is by giving them management titles ex. manager, regional manager, sales manager, operations manager, etc. Those jobs are less specific and cover more general responsibilities.
Feb 3, 2015
Give them a title they would be credentialed for and work towards in next 3 - 5 years. Take their input on what that would be but be very specific about the role and responsibilities they are being hired into for and that "promotion" is at your discretion.
Feb 3, 2015
I guess it depends on what exactly they are doing? There are umbrella titles you can give your people that might encompass a lot of responsibilities, such as "Marketing Specialists" That might mean they do graphic design, marketing, print, web consulting, and logistical stuff. Or something like Administrative Coordinator might mean, they are a secretary, file clerk, executive assistant etc...sit down with your people and figure out what makes the most sense. If you are in the furtive dividing these duties amongst new staff, you can assign the appropriate tootles then.
Feb 3, 2015
This might be an opportunity to let your personality shine through. You might use a unique title that reflects your business or your role in the business, e.g., chief strategist, such and such expert, Chief Everything Officer, etc. Don't get too hung up on it -- how you conduct your business is a lot more important than your title.
Feb 2, 2015
I haven't read the other responses because I didn't want to be influenced prior to offering my opinion. Local customers like to do business with the owner. So if you are a local business I think Owner may be very appropriate for you. If your business will take you across the country then President would apply because that is more acceptable, in my opinion, to other business owners or professionals you will come into contact with. With regard to new employees with responsibility you might consider Manager of Director depending on overall responsibility they may have. Employees with very narrow responsibility should carry a title that describes exactly what they do.
Feb 2, 2015
Based on your profile, it looks like to are opening an art gallery. I think coordinator, co-coordinator, assistant, archivist, librarian, or manager are good general titles depending on the section they work with. You could just be simple as art gallery coordinator. As your business grows then you can specialize titles and promote those who are a cut above the rest.
Feb 1, 2015
If the person is doing all the aspects of Business, i.e Finance, Marketing, Sales,Supplychain, coding etc etc then I will call him the CEO :-)
...For the rest , i am sure they broadly would come under HR&Admin , Finance&Legal, Sales&Marketing and i would not bother about designation unless you are planning to define Hierarchy in the system
Feb 1, 2015
The question has been thoroughly addressed by others. The only thing that I would add is that, from a perspective of within the organization, it really doesn't matter what titles you use. They will gain their own character & shared meaning. Think of a famous band like the Rolling Stones. Whatever that name triggers in your mind, it is unlikely to be a group of boulders being in motion.