Reimagining Collaboration: One Nametag at a Time

When we walk into a room full of titles—Executive Director, President, Mayor, Chair, Doctor, Pastor, Manager—we know we are surrounded by expertise. But, oftentimes, what we are also bringing to the table are expectations, assumptions, and sometimes roadblocks. These titles, while earned and respected, can tie people to organizational interests and lines of sight rather than community and collective purpose.

So, what happens when we ask people to leave their titles behind?

This year, we have been working with a powerful and committed group of leaders from across one South Carolina community to build a movement focused on self-sufficiency—not just for one group or one zip code, but for everyone. As we began a recent work session with the group, we asked them to take off their official nametags and instead claim a new identity. One rooted not in organization or position, but in purpose.

The transformation was immediate—and inspiring.

Our room of traditional titles became a movement made up of a(n):

• Agent of Change

• Director of Collaborative Leadership

• Chief of Open Mindedness

• Director of Connections

• Chief Synergy Officer

• Community Opportunity Officer

• Chief Good Troublemaker

• Cheerleading Storyteller

• Coordinator of Collaboration

By letting go of who they were supposed to be, this group stepped more fully into who their community needs them to be.

Throughout the day, these new identities shaped the way people showed up—leaning into tough conversations, breaking through silos, and thinking outside of their individual roles. Instead of asking, “What should my organization do?” they asked, “What change can we make?” Instead of defaulting to safe, familiar paths, they answered the call to be bold and courageous.

This is what it looks like to shift from collaboration as an individual task to collaboration as a collective mindset.

The next time you are in a room of individuals, try this: ask them not what their title is, but what role they want to play in creating the future. You might be surprised at what they say—and even more surprised by what they do next.