Why that little block of text at the bottom of your email might be shaping how others see you at work:
Let’s Cut to the Chase
Your email signature isn’t just a digital business card.
It’s a quiet signal.
It tells people who you think you are… and how you expect them to treat you.
Most folks never think twice about it. But in my years as a business leader—and through recent research I conducted—I’ve seen a pattern that’s impossible to ignore.
The way you format your signature actually reflects how much power you feel you have in your environment.
Think of it like body language in text form.
Email Signatures Reflect Power—and Insecurity
Here’s what I’ve learned after studying thousands of email signatures and how they evolve over time:
The more powerful people feel, the fewer words they use.
The less powerful people feel, the more credentials and details they list.
It’s kind of like when you’re at a party. The person who talks the loudest about their résumé is rarely the one with the most influence. Same thing with email.
Let me break this down by career level.
INTERN OR ENTRY-LEVEL SIGNATURES: ALL IN THE DETAILS
Here’s what you’ll often see:
Jane Doe | Marketing Intern
B.A. Candidate, University of ABC
(555) 123-4567 | jane.doe@xyz.com
Why so much information?
Because early-career professionals are trying to signal value.
They don’t have years of experience, so they compensate with degrees, titles, and affiliations. It’s like stacking trophies on a shelf to show you belong.
This isn’t bad. It’s natural. But it does show where someone is in their identity journey at work.
MID-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS: THE “ACHIEVEMENT ZONE”
Now you’ll start seeing this kind of signature:
Michael Green, MBA
Marketing Manager – North America, ACME Corp.
(555) 867-5309 | michael.green@acme.com
“Driving innovation through teamwork”
This is where things get more layered.
Mid-level folks have something to prove. They’re stable in their role, but not yet at the top. So they often include:
- Post-nominals (MBA, CPA, etc.)
- Inspirational quotes
- Extra contact lines
These signatures try to say, “I’m valuable, knowledgeable, and collaborative.”
But sometimes, more information can feel like trying too hard.
SENIOR EXECUTIVES: MINIMAL WORDS, MAXIMUM WEIGHT
This is where it gets interesting.
A typical C-suite signature might look like this:
Elena Rodriguez
Chief Medical Officer | HealthCare Partners, Inc.
(555) 000-1000
Or sometimes, just:
– Elena
That’s it.
No degrees. No quotes. No LinkedIn link. No fluff.
Why?
Because when you’re operating from a position of perceived power, you don’t need to prove anything.
You’re already assumed to be credible. So you use fewer words, and those words carry more weight.
This kind of signature sends a message: “You know who I am.”
INTROVERT VS. EXTROVERT SIGNATURES
Another interesting pattern?
Technical folks—especially introverts—often load up on structure. Multiple emails. Complex formatting. Legal disclaimers. Long job titles.
Meanwhile, extroverted communicators tend to go lighter:
- Friendly tone
- Short phrases
- Maybe even a “Cheers” or “Talk soon”
This shapes approachability.
One feels reserved and harder to reach.
The other feels more open, ready for dialogue.
Neither is better. But be aware of the message you’re sending.
YOUR SIGNATURE IS A FRAME OF REFERENCE
Every time you hit "Send," your email signature acts as a mirror.
It reflects:
- How much power you believe you have
- How much you want others to perceive your value
- How open you are to connection
If your signature screams “I’ve done a lot! Look at me!”—it may be time to ask yourself if you’re still trying to prove something.
If it’s too bare, you might be missing a chance to build trust and clarity with people who don’t know you well yet.
TIPS FOR A SIGNATURE THAT WORKS ACROSS THE ORG CHART
Here’s what you should do, regardless of your title:
- Keep it simple, but not vague
→ Name, title, company, contact = enough
- Leave room for connection
→ Use a warm sign-off like Best, Thanks, or Talk soon
- Drop the quote unless it adds real value
→ Most quotes distract more than they impress
- Avoid information overload
→ You’re not a menu. One number is enough
- Be consistent with your company’s culture
→ A flashy signature in a conservative industry? It sends the wrong message
- Check your formatting
→ Use standard fonts, avoid too many colors, and make sure it’s mobile-friendly
Think of your signature like your front door.
Clean, clear, and open to conversation. That’s the sweet spot.
YOUR FIRST MOVE
Want to be seen as confident and approachable?
Do this today:
Look at your signature right now.
Ask: “What’s this really saying about me?”
Then update it to match who you want to be.
It doesn’t take more than five minutes. But it can completely change how people interact with you.
Need a second set of eyes or want to talk about leveling up your leadership identity?
Until next week!
—Oliver
