Doing something you haven't done before takes guts. Most people talk about what they want to do but they don't spend time actually doing it. They do watch (and sometimes follow) people who start doing what they say they want to.
John C. Maxwell said, "Leadership is modeling."
If you call yourself a creative- an artist, a painter, photographer, writer, blogger, creator- you call yourself that because you're doing it.
You're doing it. You're modeling it. Therefore, you're a leader.
You don't have to tell others what you are doing. Model the change you would like to see in others Mr. Maxwell also points out, "you're only a leader if others are following you."
I don't worry about that too much- I don't think it's something we need to focus on. It happens as a byproduct of doing and becoming excellent in our craft-whatever that is-
Artists Think.
Then they do.
As a result, they lead.
Does leading make you nervous?
Don't let it. It's not supposed to make you nervous, just aware.
Being a leader means having influence- and that's a good thing. There's a huge generation on our heels who want influence. There are women out there who want women who are older than they are to be a guide to them.
You may already have women coming up to you, asking you questions.
NOW are you nervous?
Leadership, influence- it's a gift. And, like many other things it is a skill that can be learned.
If you are coming into awareness of your influence, here are a few tips I've learned that make leadership growth less intimidating and more exciting. Having the ability to speak in to another's life is powerful and it's a privilege. Let's help the next generation be all they can be.
It starts with.....
1. Leading Yourself
No one is going to make you finish painting an art piece or start a blog or present your art to a company or a buyer or finish a book. No one.
If your art is going to go anywhere, you're going to have to get it there. And that doesn't really make a difference on what kind of art you have- writing, painting, collage, etc.
It takes a lot of work, trial and error, time, money, and determination to build a life of an artist.
The only way to do that is to learn to lead yourself.
I don't remember when I first heard this idea but after writing the first draft of this blog post, I heard it all over again as I was listening to the archives of the leadership dojo from last year. Podcaster Alex Barker interviews Michael Hyatt in episode 25 who discusses the concept of leading yourself as being the foundation of becoming a leader.
2. Thinking well
We all think differently and this is good. If we thought the same we'd have all highways and no museums; we'd have loaves of bread, but no French toast.
Artists are thought leaders because they often reflect what is going on in society OR help shape society's thoughts with their art.
Consider this: think of the last time you walked through a museum or watched a (good) movie. Like it or not, your thoughts are being affected.
3. Continue to improve your art; always be teachable.
There is no arrival Likewise, as we continue to improve and learn, we set the example for others around us.
Leaders are learners, states the overused cliché. Well, it's true. Your curiosity is an essential attribute to getting better. As you know more, you'll have a deeper well to serve others with. Keep it up.
5. Choose to focus on the good parts of yourself most of the time. As a result, you'll end up find the strengths of other people, most of the time.
One thing I've considered recently- the more I focus on the negative parts of my life and myself, the more I hone in on that in other people.
Don't be confused about this point- the people who are the most critical of others are their own worst enemy, often focusing on the weaknesses and wrong things about themselves.
There is a big difference between realistically assessing a situation (or yourself) and being negative. The first is essential to creating a life, the second is discouraging and useless.
6. Be an encourager.
Many people are parched for someone to speak a truly encouraging word into their lives. Don't be shy about encouraging others to not give up, pointing them to resources, and helping them see the value of continuing to create.
Artist have the lovely ability to shine a light and enhance other people's lives. "A rising tide raises all ships."
I get that all art is not lovely and beautiful but many of the artists I associate with are like that- trying to add to the beauty, encourage others, and bring light to a sometimes rather dark and discouraging world. Making this a practice- shining light- is leading the way for others. Who would you rather follow? Dark clouds or sunshine?
O.k. your turn: do you consider artists & creatives to be leaders? Are you an influencer within your own sphere of people?
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