"What’s in a Title?
How Job Titles Shape Business Success in the U.S.
Last week I was in the Netherlands, where I facilitated three well received workshops on successfully doing business with Americans. In each session, the topic of job titles came up.
Why are job titles important in the US?
In the Netherlands, titles generally hold less weight, while in the U.S., they significantly impact business relationships, career advancement, and credibility. Why? Job titles in the U.S. communicate authority and influence. They determine who gets invited to key meetings, whose emails get answered first, and how seriously a professional is taken. American companies use titles strategically to establish hierarchy.Take, for example, the title "Vice President" (VP). In the Netherlands, such a title would typically indicate a top executive position. However, in the U.S., especially in industries like finance and tech, VP titles are often given to mid-level employees as a way to signal importance and responsibility.
Most American college graduates start with entry-level titles such as Analyst, Associate, or Coordinator, but can quickly move up to reach a VP-level role.
Manager? It is not as impressive as you think it is!
Another example is the title "Manager." In the U.S., the title is not as commonly used in corporate settings as it is in the Netherlands. While restaurants and stores frequently use "Manager" to designate a supervisory role, most professional companies favor titles like Director or Team Lead instead for supervisory roles. This distinction reflects the broader emphasis on hierarchy and specialization in American corporate culture.
What does this mean for you, Dutch entrepreneur?
For Dutch professionals expanding into the U.S., understanding this cultural nuance is essential. A modest or unclear title can hinder opportunities. Adjusting your professional title to the American system can make a difference in networking, negotiations, and client interactions.
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Would you like more practical insights on doing business successfully in the U.S. and strengthening ? Feel free to reach out and schedule a call here. Or meet me in person the week of March 31, 2025, in the Netherlands. Simply send me an email with your availability to meet!
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Hi, my name is Annette. For over 10 years, I have helped Fortune 500 companies, scale-ups and individuals understand the intricacies and advantages of communicating across cultures, turning cultural differences and similarities into competitive advantages.
Let me help you prepare for your interactions with American partners and clients, and improve Dutch-American collaboration. Simply r schedule a free 30-minute assessment here.