Beyond Titles

Navigating the Overwhelm of Formal and Informal Roles

"What is the paramount challenge in your leadership role today?

Undoubtedly, the overwhelming array of responsibilities exceeds the expectations set by your job title. The title of a team leader encompasses far more than what initially meets the eye.

In a recent strategic planning session in Rome, I prompted a Northern European leadership team to outline their organizational contributions. The outcome was a staggering list of each member's formal and informal roles. 

Formal roles typically align with your job titles, such as Marketing Director, HR Leader, Ops Manager, Strategy and Culture Champion, Financial Manager, Local team leader, etc. However, informal contributions are driven by personal gifts, interests, and temperament beyond these designated roles.

"Your formal role may define your title, but your informal gifts define your impact." - Unknown.

One team leader exemplified this duality by delineating her roles:

Formal Roles:

1. DS Director

2. T/Tech Responsible

Informal Roles:

1. Bridge Building

2. Logistics

3. Regional/International Connecting

4. Consulting

5. 'Utility Player'

6. Cultural Outsider

7. Critical/Realist

8. Individualization/Arranger

This breakdown vividly illustrates the multitude of informal roles she undertakes. It's no wonder that a sense of being overwhelmed pervades; she is involved in much more than her formal job description mandates.

This phenomenon is not unique to her; it's a widespread challenge. Many of our informal roles may not be explicitly stated in our job descriptions, but they significantly contribute to the organization's overall functioning. Some of these roles are satisfying, while others may be necessary but less enjoyable.

To navigate through this complexity, it is essential to ask some fundamental questions:

1. What is the job? - The Mission

2. What is my part? - The Role

3. How do I do my part well? - The Skills and Attitudes

While all these questions are vital, the focus here is on understanding one's part and excelling in it. An effective way to gain clarity is by delving into the informal roles:

• What are my informal roles?

• Do these align with my interests and skills?

• Do they bring joy or anxiety? If the latter, what needs to be stopped?

• Are they necessary for my formal job?

• How can I support my formal role informally without adding stress? What optimizations can be made?

This self-awareness exercise is transformative. It sheds light on the reality of one's situation and aids in identifying energy-draining tasks and those that fuel one's passion.

"In leadership, the quality of your roles is measured not just by what's written in your job description, but by the genuine gifts you bring to every task." - Unknown.

 By understanding one's unique contribution and prioritizing tasks accordingly, leaders can gain clarity, define their outstanding role contribution, create healthy boundaries, and intentionally grow in the skills required to excel in their mission.

Maximize your potential as a leader by aligning your unique gifts, interests, and requirements with your role and building on your strengths and passions.