In most companies, the words “position” and “job title” are used interchangeably. However, if we were to ask human resources professionals or consult books on the subject, we would discover that they are two different things.

In this context, the term “workplace” refers to the physical location where a person performs their daily work within a company. Meanwhile, “job title” refers to the functions, responsibilities, and hierarchical position that a person holds within a specific organization.

In that vein, a few weeks ago I published an article entitled: “The Illusion of Position.” Therefore, as a complement to that, today I want to address the “burden” we carry on our shoulders throughout our professional careers. And I do so based on my own work experience, which I summarize below.

My first job was in a factory for a European consumer goods company, where I was an administrative assistant. There, I had many operational and functional tasks—daily, weekly, and monthly—all related to the position, and the burden I carried was my own. Then I moved to a car import and sales company, where I started as a personnel assistant and later became head of personnel. Afterward, I became head of personnel administration at a financial institution. In these last two experiences, I also took on administrative tasks alongside my team members, in addition to my operational and functional duties. Therefore, at that point, the burden I carried was no longer solely my own.

Finally, both in the retail company where I had the opportunity to lead the administration and management of people and part of the store operations, and in the company where I am now with my brothers, I discovered that the burden I carried in retail and the one I carry in the family business is heavier, in terms of functions and responsibilities, than in my previous roles. Because, I must add, it involves thinking, envisioning, leading, and motivating others to perform their duties better and thus go the extra mile that is always required.

Therefore, regardless of where you are in your professional career, in your personal life, and the burden you carry to date, whether your own or that of others, keep in mind three enemies that silently stalk us all and that can work against our authority, whether it is at work or in the family.

1. Always be consistent: you must be the first to demand the best from yourself, and then, naturally, encourage the efforts of others. Here are a couple of practical examples: if you ask for punctuality, be the first to arrive. If you ask everyone to keep their camera on in a virtual meeting, lead by example.
2. Always act with good intentions and humility: steer clear of easy applause. Two popular sayings apply here: “Do good, without looking at who it’s for” and “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
3. To best demonstrate your authority: always seek the good of the team you lead; do not fall into egotism, selfishness or narcissism.

I invite you to demonstrate with tangible actions that if you are aware of the burden you carry, don’t give up, and if you do—because none of us are perfect—get up immediately and try again. How many times? As many as necessary, up to 70 times seven. And if you feel it’s necessary, ask for help!

Come on, join me as we row against the current and out to sea!