How Creative Professionals Can Become Leaders at Work
3 steps to emerge from behind the scenes and become a leader in your workplace.
At most companies the designers, writers, and other functions of marketing are seen as cost centers. Ouch. That sucks! It’s true. We are often just seen as order takers and not strategic, leadership-type people.
This is a huge mistake. Why? The creative people are the visionaries. They are the ones who can see around corners–sometimes better than the executives. They are the ones who help us imagine what is possible. They beautify our businesses and ultimately…the world.
Creative people can lead, and can add high level value to the companies and businesses they serve, but it all starts with how creative people see themselves.
To emerge from the background and start to be seen as a leader who brings value beyond your output, here are three things you can start doing right away (that will cost you no money).
Let’s jump in!
Take initiative with projects. This looks like speaking up when you have ideas, but also seeing ahead to what might be needed and making sure it gets done. Always be thinking ahead so you can take initiative.
Have a strong point of view. This all starts with getting confident as a creative person. Leaders usually have strong points of view and if you start to do the same (in a kind and diplomatic way) you will start to gain the respect of the leaders around you.
Help someone behind you. Yes, it’s true…even if you are brand new you can help someone with something. Maybe it’s a skill, maybe it’s a task they are struggling with. The best leaders are helpers. Find someone you can help and help them. This will not only cause you to be seen as someone who can be trusted to steward others…it will also help you learn HOW to lead or teach.
Bonus tip: Encourage yourself as a leader. If you don’t see yourself as a leader then no one else will. Start with the person in the mirror and watch what happens. Tell yourself, “I am a leader. People will follow me. I know what I am doing. I am a good steward of humans. I can be trusted. I am confident. I can speak up. I know what to do.”
Recap
Take initiative.
Have a strong point of view.
Help someone behind you.
Encourage yourself!
Start doing those four things and you will start to be seen as a leader by those around you, and most importantly…by YOU!
For glory & beauty,
Brandon
