Being A Creative Leader vs Manager

In every company, there are leader and there are managers. In most industries, Managers are probably more efficient as they keep people on timelines, making sure tasks are done, and balancing resources across projects.

Advertising does like to put people on pedestals but for good reason. These people, through formal accomplishments and interpersonal stories, have proven themselves to be icons of boundary-pushing creativity whether it be due to their ability to persuade clients, the raw power of their creative visions, or their ability to construct thoughtful strategies.

I believe that Leaders are most essential in the creative industries and more so in Advertising. Here are my reasons why.

1. Leaders Are A Beacon Of Inspiration
Whether it be during stressful meetings or ‘just another day’, these leaders give others a positive, constructive, and useful source of comments and contributions that make them and their work better.

2. Leaders Create Unifying Visions
The strongest leaders bring people together through a shared and powerful perspective on how to create amazing ideas and this perspective usually draws and bonds talent together into a creative self-drive engine that is perpetually challenging themselves and clients with unique ideas.

3. Leaders Challenge The Next Generation
Leaders give others a chance to grow, not succeed, grow. Anyone can reach a goal if it is easy but learning and development can only be achieved through tough and challenging situations that don’t guarantee success. Where the difference between success and failure is effort and attention to detail. Leaders give others the chance to step in and try in order to grow.