Have you ever worked with someone who got a new title and suddenly forgot how to act?
You know the type. One week, they’re chatting with you about weekend plans and laughing at inside jokes. Next week, they’ve “evolved.” Their title has changed—and so has their attitude.
I call it Swelled-Head Syndrome. And unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for it.
Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about someone getting promoted to a real management role or moving into a completely different department. I’m talking about those folks who get just enough of a title boost to feel superior—but not enough to actually be in charge of anything. And boy, does it show.
The Symptoms
This syndrome shows up fast. One minute you’re equals. The next, you’re being treated like the intern who microwaves fish in the break room.
Here’s how it usually plays out:
- The Email Shift
Remember when they used to message you like a normal person? “Hey, quick question…” or “Got a sec?” Now it’s full-on business mode, complete with bullet points, bold fonts, and a CC to anyone with “manager” in their title. What used to be a simple “Can you help me?” now reads like a corporate memo drafted by legal. - The Vanishing Act
They used to say good morning. Now, they breeze by like they’ve got VIP status. Eye contact? Rare. Casual conversation? Nonexistent. Apparently, their new title came with an invisibility cloak—for you. - The Menial Task Aversion
Suddenly, anything resembling “regular work” is beneath them. They don’t touch shared files. They ask someone else to forward an email they’re already copied on. It’s like they’ve developed an allergy to being helpful. - The Attitude Adjustment
The tone shifts. Even though you’re still doing the same solid work you always have, they now talk to you like you’re the assistant they think they deserve but never hired. Everything is “urgent,” even when it isn’t. - The Echo in the Room
Other people start noticing. Comments trickle in: “Did you see how So-and-So changed?” Yep. It’s not just you. It’s not personal. It’s Swelled-Head Syndrome in full bloom.
But What Really Changed?
That’s the part that always gets me.
You didn’t change. Your job didn’t change. Your work ethic is still intact. But somehow, a fancier job title and a small bump in pay has made this person act like they were hand-picked to lead the next great corporate revolution.
Let’s be real, they just got a new title—maybe a slightly nicer office chair, too. That sudden need to prove how important they are? It’s not impressive. It’s awkward. It’s unnecessary. And honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing—for them.
So What Do You Do?
Well, here’s what you don’t do: stoop to their level.
You stay professional. You keep doing your job. You don’t get sucked into the performance. Eventually, people see through the show. They always do.
Let them write their dramatic emails. Let them pretend their calendar is booked until next Tuesday (when you know full well they just like to take extra-long coffee breaks now). Let them walk past you like they’re late for a press conference.
You? You keep it real.
Because respect isn’t tied to a job title. It’s earned. And trust? Once that’s gone, good luck getting it back—fancy nameplate or not.
Final Thought
Swelled-Head Syndrome is more common than people think. It might be mildly entertaining at first, but it gets old fast. The good news? Most people eventually come back down to earth. Sometimes it takes a little while. Sometimes it takes a reality check. And sometimes… they don’t come back at all. That’s okay too.
Not everyone can handle a little power without it going straight to their head.
So if you’re working with one of these folks, remember: it’s not you. It’s the title talking.
And titles can change.
And then there’s karma. And karma can be a bitch. I rather like karma.
And, as Tigger would say, “TTFN, Ta-ta for now!”