Don’t Lose Your Creative Spark as a Leader: Lessons from the Front Lines of Bureaucracy

Recently, I stepped into a two-month acting leadership position in my organization—a role I had previously taken on and knew I was more than capable of handling. I went in fully aware of what the job would entail: more emails, contracts, reports, and the sort of bureaucratic tasks that don’t excite or energize me. But I also saw the opportunity to guide a larger team of incredibly creative individuals, people I respect and genuinely enjoy collaborating with.

In my mind, this was a fair trade-off. Yes, my energy would be drained by the bureaucracy, but the chance to shape the creative direction of the organization and work closely with the team would refill my cup. I was confident that this balance would sustain me.

But it didn’t...

The challenge with leadership positions, especially in creative fields, is that the “must-do” tasks—the administrative, bureaucratic work—often dominate your time. These tasks, while necessary, don’t give me energy or fulfill me. I can do them, and I’m good at them, but they don’t bring out the best in me as a creative leader. And more importantly, they pull me away from what makes me an effective leader: working alongside my team, problem-solving, brainstorming, and building relationships.

It’s like being given all the stick and none of the carrot.

One moment stands out for me. I had planned a monthly team meeting with two clear parts: the first to address the necessary bureaucratic updates (the policies, plans, and directions we needed to cover), and the second to dive into a creative “Yes And” session—a chance for us to brainstorm, solve problems, and collaborate in the way that energizes me and benefits the team.

After finishing the first section, a staff member, who had previously competed with me for the acting role, interrupted and said, “Jesus, is there more to this?”

“Yes, there is,” I replied. But then I heard, “We’re getting hungry.”

And just like that, I ended the meeting. I walked out the perfect bureaucrat, having delivered the necessary information but failing to connect with my team creatively. Worse, I realized I’d lost a chance to bring the team together and create something meaningful.

Later, that same staff member came to me with feedback: the team felt distant from me. I was too removed, too focused on tasks, and not enough on them. And she was right.

While I’d been trying to lead effectively, I’d forgotten that creativity isn’t just my fuel—it’s the team’s fuel, too.

The truth is, if you’re a creative person leading an innovative team, you can’t just be “the boss.” You have to get down in the dirt with your team. You have to play, create, and solve problems together. Without that, the team loses trust in you, and you lose the energy and connection that make you an effective leader.

If I could have that meeting again, I’d have done it differently. I’d bring lunch. I’d tell the team upfront that we were going to dive into a “Yes And” session—a creative exercise designed to solve problems and build cohesion. I wouldn’t rush the process or let distractions cut it short. Instead, I’d clarify that this kind of work isn’t just for me—it’s for us.

As creative leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that creativity is something we need to protect for ourselves. But creativity isn’t a solo activity; it’s a shared experience. Your team doesn’t just need you to lead—they need you to create with them.

Bureaucracy can drain your spark, and if you’re not careful, it will isolate you from your team. But leadership—true leadership—isn’t just about getting tasks done. It’s about inspiring your team, working alongside them, and showing up as your full, creative self.

If you’re a creative leader, don’t let the paperwork take that away. Stay connected, stay present, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy with your team. After all, that’s where the real magic happens.

? About Me ? I’m Ryan Sailstad, the co-creator of the "Why Not" philosophy—a belief that creativity and collaboration aren’t just possible but essential, even within bureaucratic systems. I’ve spent my career proving that innovative thinking and a “Why Not” mindset can thrive in the face of red tape and day-to-day demands. I believe leadership is about staying connected to the spark that inspires creativity, working alongside your team, and finding ways to build something meaningful, no matter the constraints.

?? Let’s Connect ?? How do you navigate the challenges of staying creative while working in or leading within a bureaucratic system? Have you found ways to keep your creativity alive and inspire your team? I’d love to hear your strategies and stories in the comments!

www.whynotyesand.com

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