What does it really mean to be a leader in today’s world? Is it all about the old-school method of giving out tasks and deadlines? Or is there a new, somewhat puzzling approach to leadership that’s shaking things up? Well, one thing’s for sure: leadership today isn’t about being a bossy control freak. Especially in big and complex groups like creative teams, having a good leader can make the difference between a decent product and a game-changer.
In recent times, our daily activities have been closely fused with user experience and interface design. This integration has led to the formation of creative teams within large corporations, faster campaign launches, and effective operations. However, creative teams are typically composed of different individuals united by a common purpose. Those responsible for creating luring advertisements, interactive social media campaigns, or major product releases possess a huge chunk of freedom and creativity within them. Hence, it is critical to have synergy between the members of a creative team to function as a single unit. This is where a proper leader steps in.
When planning and strategising campaigns, leaders should consider several key considerations. First and foremost, the assembly of specialised task groups within teams helps efficiently distribute work, enabling the team to meet deadlines. Setting clear goals and priorities is also key – it helps the team know what’s most important. Plus, a leader should know what tools the team needs and make sure everyone can use them. And don’t forget to pinpoint what will make the campaign successful–giving everyone a target to aim for. Since the aforementioned aspects are some of the few pointers needed for a leader to break down before the start of any campaign, it is essential to know how to negotiate with the team to reach them.
To start off, any leader needs to empower individuals because creativity often comes from encouragement and inspiration. A proper way of empowering people is a form of confidence and trust, which in turn helps people fulfil their responsibilities effectively. A creative team member is also able to find value in day-to-day activities and is likely to be more interested in his work when empowered. So, how does a leader show trust? One way is by being open to everyone’s ideas, even if they seem a bit futile or unproductive. If an idea fits the plan, the person in charge can continue with it. Give credit where it’s due. And if it doesn’t quite fit, it still provides that person a chance to speak up. This makes everyone feel heard and valued. Furthermore, leaders should create a sense of urgency. It helps the team know that the higher-ups are serious about their goals. But that doesn’t stop them from letting the team try new things. If you’re in charge and you never let your team experiment or grow, you’re basically holding them back. And a stagnant team won’t get far in today’s fast-paced world. Again, however, a good leader knows what risks to take or has calculations before making something dangerous.
Leading by example should also be considered as well. When leaders show willingness to roll up their sleeves and get things done, it inspires the team. It also sends the message that the leader isn’t someone with a bigger title who is just here to micromanage people. Sometimes, we can observe a few individuals with a non-technical background in leading positions tasked with working with creative teams. This can lead to communication problems. However, leaders can bridge that gap by listening to what the team needs and finding ways to bring authority and creativity to the table.
Lastly, leaders should be able to supervise and help team members grow. This can happen through one-on-one chats or team-building activities that promote friendly competition, understanding, and teamwork.
While some leaders may adopt a stern approach, recognising that nurturing growth and learning through effective communication and empathy is the path to true leadership is imperative. In today’s world, creative teams play a vital role in organisations, underscoring the significance of mastering the art of leadership within this context. Nevertheless, leadership is a continuous learning journey, and even if one feels misaligned with team members’ roles, there are ample opportunities for growth and improvement. The key is to listen attentively and take it one step at a time, as every leader once started in an entry-level position, making it unjust to be unduly harsh on those just beginning their journey.
Author- Fatema Nawar Silme
