Unbossing it: your ideas should have no hierarchy
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A new leadership term currently doing the rounds is ‘unbossing’. It’s a method of management where those in charge employ a hands-off approach. Rather than an interventionist, micro-management style of running a company, chiefs offer a wider direction, then trust that teams will get the job done.
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While it’s a clumsy idiom, it’s a good idea. An assumption that hurts businesses is that leaders ought to spring forth with all the thinking. When companies are organised in hierarchies, a curious thing happens when people move upwards. As they they surge from one promotion to another, professionals become more convinced of their own brilliance. Specifically, they adopt the mindset that a loftier position in the corporate structure means their contributions are keener and more valuable than those who sit below them.
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It's hard to run a creative business in this scenario. When biased leaders prioritise their own ideas, fresh ones from other sources aren’t given the airtime they deserve. The best way to encourage a creative culture is to pay less attention to who’s had an idea, and put more emphasis on the calibre of the idea itself. There is no research pointing to smarter ideas emanating from the corner office (as opposed to factory or office floor). Creativity flourishes when everyone is given permission to have a view on how to change things.
Leaders who are focused one their own talents are less effective than those who are able to recognise brilliance in others. Acknowledge the creative flair that exists in overlooked corners of your organisation, then trust them to boss it for you.
Creative Director I Creative Consultant I Creative Strategist I Advertising Manager I Music Archivist Co-Founder, RUBISCUBE CONCEPTS Consult. Create. Collaborate. @creativityforhumanity @creativity&collaboration
9 个月A idea will remain an idea without the team collective effort, dedication and commitment. I always tell my team for 11 years that to succeed- give your 101%. No small job. No big job. Let go of titles. Focus on the roles. A good effective leader must have this mindset WE NOT ME!
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9 个月Great insight! Focusing on ideas over hierarchy can truly unlock a team's creative potential. Excited to read your newsletter! ????
CEO The Hardy Boys A VML Agency
9 个月The old school heirachy mentality which leads you to believe that your title means you are superior to those that report to you is like putting a cork in a wine bottle…you never get to ‘taste’ the good stuff. True leaders sit below the organisation and let the talent rise above, that’s when the magic happens ??
?? Senior Creative Copywriter @ BATES VML |
10 个月A great leader once told me that he trained each of his employees as if they were to take on his role in the future. I have nothing but respect for this attitude.
Managing Director New Era Communications, founder Incubator Ventures "backing great ideas" & Henley Jazz & Blues Week
10 个月To build any successful business you need a culture where anybody can be able to suggest an idea to improve efficiency or a creative solution to a client brief. This must be encouraged, welcomed and appreciated by "the bosses". If a client says to me "that was such a brilliant and creative idea" I'll always get the greatest reward in saying who came up with it and telling that person fast. Their reaction is always a joy to experience. For a business owner it also shows you've got a great team working together for a common goal - happiness and success!