I have the great misfortune of being a particularly introspective fellow, especially when it comes to my day job. I’m paid to be a “producer” for TBS.com, but I usually get lumped in with folks who do project management and other, less fun-sounding things.

I really enjoy my title, since it harkens to the greater entertainment industry in which I work. It connotes a certain air of importance and stature that really puffs up ones self esteem.

But I often wonder why people want to relegate me to the (usually) technology-infested (seemingly) dead-end title of “project manager”? I guess my own insecurities and introspection were really tweaked when I read Seth Godin’s Do you produce? this evening.

After careful consideration, I think I’m justified in both my title and in my lukewarm reaction when people downgrade me. I know it’s not really a slight on their part, but I’ve been perceiving it as one.

In this year-end time of self-evaluation and personal holiday thankfulness, I guess I’m proud to say that I produce. I do make things happen; I do make “something other people thought couldn’t be done–or were too distracted to do themselves“.

Maybe I’m protesting too much, but Seth’s words really struck a nerve with me. I really do feel like a leader and that I produce for my employer.

Is it too much to ask, then, that no one call me “project manager” again? I prefer “Grand High Poobah” or “Your Majesty”. 😉