Working with the design team

I have the opportunity to work with two different creative teams at the same time as a two-division leader. Members of both teams have different characteristics, but they have a fundamental similarity, they all creatives. Being a dad is helping me to define the direction that I would like to represent as a leader. In the following part, I collected the pillars that I try to follow, working with them.

• Respect
• Presence
• Trust
• Space
• Transparency

Respect

It is one of the essential pillars, but you have to earn it. How to do that? Use your natural charisma. Be kind and emphatic. Be a great example of how you handle things. Be transparent and definite in communication. Be reliable using your knowledge and experience. Be proactive and do every task on time. And make decisions fast, do not hesitate.

Presence

It is the easiest one, all of them. Just be there. If any member has an issue, listen to them. Always answer their emails and requests on time. It is not about watching them all the time. Encourage your team members to get in touch with you, tell new ideas, ask any questions they might have. Tell them your door is always open.

Trust

Let them get to know you with all your weaknesses and strengths. Always be disciplined and consistent. Teach and show them how your thinking works. Show them about how you make decisions, let them see the details.

Space

Space is a crucial part too. Allow members to use their personal and creative space. Turn off your ego, if you delegate something it is no longer about you, it is about them. Define the maximum three requirements that have to be complete and let them do the rest, let them shine. Let them create better things than you ever made or think. Rely on their talent and experience. If they feel their space and your presence at the same time, remarkable things will happen. Hopefully, they stay motivated and happy.

Transparency

Always be honest, be transparent with the team, share both your opinion and all the information you have with them. Also, let the members raise their voices and hear them. Get their advice about professional and personal topics as well. Have more one on one discussions to see the different directions.

This article is not based on any special studies only my thoughts, personal experience, and opinion.