I grew up a dog person. First pooch was a black lab named Pepper. Then came Peanut, a terrier/dachshund mix. Foxie was a black and tan mini-dachshund, and Caesar was a pit-bull-like Humane Society mutt.
All lovable animals, and I carry an overstuffed scrapbook of memories in my mind. But, for some reason, my latest four-legger is top dog. Husker is a Weimaraner, and he's taught me volumes about being a creative director.
I hold a few essential qualities in my mind when it comes to being a creative manager, and my boy, Husker, has reinforced these beliefs.
- Go, Pack, Go. There's a nomenclature to any department in any company that is innately respected by all involved. It's what many call a "Pack Mentality." A former boss of mine said it quite eloquently: "The leader is the person that everyone follows." It seems simple, however, many people are not comfortable with walking out in front. And by no means is it so cinematic. Great creative directors, like lead dogs, are not continuously barking orders or unveiling grand plans. Great creative directors "manage what they know." All you can do is all you can do -- and if you can't do or don't know the answer, find someone who does. Be true to your own limitations and realize the unlimited potential within others. And remember, you are not on top. You must answer to a boss or clients or your spouse, perhaps.
- Experience is key. Husker, like most dogs, has inherited the experience of hundreds of thousands of past canine. He displays traits that were developed by wolves in Germany's Black Forest centuries ago. This experience guides him safely through his life. The experience of a Creative Director is just as important: from crucial moments with past clients; design or conceptual efforts that didn't work for some specific reason; working under great managers. (Hopefully, one's past is replete with wonderful leaders -- more than just reminders of what NOT to do.)
- Man's best friend? Husker is my buddy, my walking mate, but my best friend? No. And neither are the great folks I manage. I love them all and consider them friends on the outside, but at the agency, friendship is a slippery slope. Years ago I convinced a boss to hire my best friend and it ruined our relationship. Employees respect the "system," and you should, too.
- See stars. Great leaders are in no way threatened by their people rising to greatness. Whenever I'm around Husker, I feel a mutual sense of happiness for each other. He's happy when I'm happy and vice versa. Great managers fully celebrate the star power of their employees. People will come and go, but while they're with you, they should feel great.
The ol' boy is turning 9 this spring and my education continues. Which may be the last-but-not-least point: Never stop learning. The moment you've figured it all out is the moment you don't know anything. Woof.
