What I Wish I Knew Before Leading a Creative Team
Leading creatives is a gift—but let’s be real, it’s not for the faint of heart.
Before stepping into this kind of leadership, I thought it would be all ideas, energy, and inspiration. And yes, sometimes it is. But I’ve also learned the hard way that leading creatives requires a unique mix of clarity, empathy, and flexibility that most leadership books don’t talk about.
So, here’s what I wish someone had told me before I stepped into this role:
1. Creatives Don’t Need a Boss—They Need a Shepherd
They don’t want to be micromanaged. But they also don’t want to be ignored.
What they need is someone who sees them, believes in them, and calls them to more.
Someone who protects the process, advocates for their work, and helps them connect the dots between vision and execution.
In short: they need leadership that feels pastoral and practical.
2. Vagueness is the Enemy of Good Work
One of the worst things you can do as a creative leader is be unclear.
Ambiguity kills creativity faster than criticism.
If your team is constantly asking, “Wait, what are we doing again?” or “What’s the goal?”—it’s not a talent problem. It’s a clarity problem.
Define the win. Set clear expectations. Then let them run.
3. Feedback is a Gift (But Only If You Know How to Give It)
I used to give feedback like I was defusing a bomb—slow, careful, and apologetic.
Now? I still care about being kind, but I’ve learned that creatives crave honest, helpful critique.
✅ Be clear, not vague.
✅ Be specific, not general.
✅ Be constructive, not just nice.
And always lead with the heart: “I want to help you make this better.”
4. You Can’t Always Please the Client and Protect the Artist
Sometimes, you’ll be caught between a creative and a decision-maker.
And in those moments, you’ll be tempted to either defend your team at all costs or fold to keep the peace.
What I wish I knew: your role is to translate, not take sides.
Help the client express what they want. Help the creative hear what’s being asked.
Then guide both toward something better than either imagined.
5. Their Wins Aren’t Threats—They’re Your Legacy
At some point, your team will outshine you.
They’ll create something better than what you could have. They’ll have the brilliant idea you wish you thought of.
That’s not a threat to your leadership—it’s proof of it.
Great leaders don’t need to be the genius. They need to be the guide.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Leading creatives well is possible. But it takes intentionality, strategy, and support.
I offer coaching for leaders of creative teams who want to lead with more clarity and confidence—without burning out or shutting down.
