Nothing Boosts Morale Like a Title Change

Well, it’s been quite a week for me indeed!

Last Wednesday, at 8:22pm, my wife and I were blessed with the most perfect, adorable little baby girl, Naomi. Born right on her due date, she became the first member of the next generation on my side of the family.

Also at that moment, several key changes took place:

1. My wife and I became parents
2. My parents became grandparents
3. My grandmothers became great-grandmothers
4. My brothers and sister became uncles and an aunt
5. My uncles and aunts became great-uncles and great-aunts

There’s just something about a new title which makes people feel more confident, more whole. Every single member of my family – my wife and me included – have had 9 months to plan for our promotions, and as such each has had time to prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Now that the baby is here, everyone has stepped up to the plate, and assumed their new roles with vigor – even if it’s just the embrace of their new title.

Whether in a familial setting like this or at the workplace, people want to feel that they are given a title which properly reflects their roles and responsibilities, as well as conveys the respect due unto them. As I’ve written about time and again in this space, the current economic environment has made for tough times in the workplace, with more and more being asked of fewer and fewer employees, with little to no reward or recognition. At the very least, employers can provide their staff with appropriate titles, to give them the pride they require to do the work asked of them. As I’ve just discovered myself, a big change in title can provide as much – if not more – of a boost in morale and ownership over a position than any corporate team building activity could.

Trust me – daddies know these things.

I am still on a sporadic writing schedule this week, due to the arrival of my new baby. Be cool – I aim to be back with regular posts ASAP!