Cracking the Code: The 'And' Dilemma in Internal Communication Job Titles

Ever come across job titles like “Manager, Employee Communication and Engagement” or “Director, Corporate Communication & Beauty Tech Communication & Engagement?” These titles aren’t just mouthfuls. They’re red flags.

Having an “and” in a job title can mean a few things. Maybe the job description isn’t well-defined. Responsibilities may be ambiguous or overlapping. Or, the position could be a mix of different roles, a kind of job title cocktail.

Oddly enough, this confusion seems to be especially prevalent in the world of internal communication (IC). Why? Well, it seems our roles get labeled as the “soft skill, non-value-add functions” of the corporate world. Since we’re not in the sales game, some wonder why they should bother giving us more than the basics.

Here’s the kicker though. Organizations looking to cut costs by hiring multiple roles into one are missing out on the true value of IC professionals. Our work drives trust, productivity, performance, well-being, job satisfaction, while contributing to higher employee retention. And don’t just take my word for it. The IC Index from the Institute of Internal Communication recently proved all of this with its groundbreaking research.

So, what’s the deal for us IC folks dealing with these complicated job titles? We stick to our guns. Define our purpose clearly and show the world our value. It might feel like we’re melting a glacier with a hairdryer, but progress is progress, no matter how small.

In a world filled with “Ands,” let’s be the ones who cut through the confusion. We’re not just professionals. We’re here to simplify the complexities of organizational communication. As we tackle these tricky job titles, let’s remember—our goal is to ensure the message is crystal clear.