People often ask me why I don’t ask them to call me Dr. Washington. I know that I have a doctorate in business administration, but I also began my doctoral studies while working in an acute care hospital.
I had it in my mind that when I graduated, I would never be able to use the title of doctor because it would confuse patients. In fact, when I finished my degree, I was working at a large psychiatric hospital. Patients would often ask me if I were the doctor, and I would politely say no.
Now, if I completed my degree with the sole intent of being known as a doctor, this would have bothered me. But I have had years of preparation for these very conversations. While working on my doctoral degree, I would often stop to think about why it was important that I finish.
I knew that I would be able to learn and grow as a leader without such a degree. Still, I personalized the completion of a doctorate, telling myself that I believed that I was fully committed to being a world-class leader, and by completing a doctoral degree, this is one way to achieve that goal.
I know that the degree has not changed who I am, yet I feel that achieving this goal has made me believe that I can accomplish any goal that I set.
Introduction
As a leader with a doctorate in business administration, I am often asked why I don’t insist on being called “Doctor.” It’s a valid question, and one that I’ve considered quite a bit. In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on the honorific use of “Doctor” and provide some tips for anyone considering pursuing a doctoral degree.
It’s not about the title
While it’s true that I could technically use the title of “Doctor,” I’ve chosen to use it sparingly. In fact, a few months ago I changed my name to Dr. James Dion Washington on LinkedIn but I since have removed the Dr.
It’s not because I don’t think I’ve earned it, but because I believe that titles are less important than your work. I’ve always been more interested in making a real impact than being recognized for my achievements. Too often, people get caught up in titles, degrees, and achievements, but what matters is what you do with what you have.
Personal motivation
Many people pursue doctoral degrees for various reasons, but for me, it was never about the title or the prestige. Instead, I saw it as a way to challenge myself and grow as a leader. By setting a goal and working hard to achieve it, I gained confidence and accomplishment that has carried over into other areas of my life and work. Pursuing a doctoral degree can be a long and challenging journey, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling if you approach it with the right mindset.
Tips for pursuing a doctoral degree
If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral degree, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Don’t do it just for the title or the prestige. Ensure you’re motivated by a genuine desire to learn and grow as a leader.
– Be prepared for the time commitment. Doctoral programs are rigorous and require a significant amount of time and effort.
– Seek mentors and advisors who can guide you and support you throughout the process.
– Stay focused on your goals, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks or obstacles. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and how you respond to them matters.
Conclusion
Whether or not you use the title of “Doctor” is a personal choice. For me, the real value of pursuing a doctoral degree was in the personal growth and development that came with the process. Pursuing a doctoral degree can be a transformative experience that teaches you not only about your subject matter but also about yourself.
It can help you develop critical thinking skills, improve your writing and communication abilities, and become a more effective leader.
If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral degree, please focus on the journey rather than the destination. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills and a deeper sense of purpose and self-confidence.
Bonus Tips
– Don’t take yourself too seriously. Even if you do decide to use the title of “Doctor,” remember to have a sense of humor about it. Being able to laugh at yourself is a sign of emotional intelligence and can help you connect with others on a deeper level.
– Use your degree to make a difference. Whether you’re in business, healthcare, education, or any other field, your doctoral degree can be a powerful tool for effecting positive change. Use it to advance the causes you care about and make a real impact in the world.
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