Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

Here's how you can juggle your own creative pursuits while managing a team.

Balancing creativity with leadership can be like walking a tightrope, but with the right strategies, you can excel at both. You're passionate about your own creative projects, yet you also have the responsibility of managing a team. The key lies in finding harmony between personal expression and professional obligations. This article will explore practical ways to nurture your creativity while ensuring your team thrives under your leadership.

1 Prioritize Tasks

Effective time management is the cornerstone of juggling creative pursuits with team leadership. Begin by identifying the most critical tasks for your team and setting clear deadlines. Once the team's priorities are in order, carve out dedicated slots in your schedule for your creative work. This might mean waking up an hour earlier or setting aside time in the evening when you can focus without interruptions. Respecting these boundaries is crucial; it ensures that your team's needs are met while also honoring your personal creative time.

Add your perspective

Pragya Yadav

Content Marketing | AI & Test Automation | Author | Blogger | Empath
Report contribution
Writers are creative creatures. And I know for a fact that they have multiple creative outlets, apart from writing. They can be musicians, guitarists, painters, singers... and the list is long. So, shall they be 'wasting time' by following those personal creative pursuits? Absolutely YES! Why? This helps them think more creatively and will enhance their writing skills. However, you can prioritize your work-related tasks over personal pursuits, or you can start your day with creative pursuits and then dedicate time to work. You can dedicate your weekends to your personal creativity, where you will have ample time and no work-related pressure. Always choose what works best for you :)

Like

Unhelpful

2 Delegate Wisely

Delegation is not just about lightening your workload; it's about empowering your team. Assess the strengths and interests of your team members and delegate tasks accordingly. Not only does this approach free up more time for your creative endeavors, but it also helps your team members grow and feel valued. Trust is a two-way street; show trust in your team's abilities, and they will reciprocate with respect for your need to pursue personal projects.

Add your perspective

3 Communicate Openly

Open communication is vital in maintaining a balance between leadership and creativity. Let your team know about your creative pursuits and how you plan to integrate them with your leadership role. This transparency builds understanding and can even inspire your team members to pursue their own passions. Regular check-ins and updates will help ensure that both your team's objectives and your personal goals are progressing smoothly.

Add your perspective

Dr. Shyamala Peesapati

Rare Disease Advocate, GPA Vasculitis | Healthcare Content/Copywriter | Content Strategist | Author | Dentist I help healthcare brands make more money with my SEO-friendly content 📝
Report contribution
Stronger INTERNAL teams sign up to WIN bigger EXTERNAL projects. Having a strong core team is an absolute necessity! So communicate to your best capabilities. 1) Communicate in a way they understand. 2) Communicate when the timing is right. 3) Maintain the TONE of your voice. 4) LISTEN more than you speak. Remember, a leader is someone who is always the LAST to speak. Practice Empathy. Bonus tip: Start with gratitude. Thank your people for what they are already doing. Chances of the communication going in the right direction would be great! :)

Like

Unhelpful

4 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential to prevent work from spilling into your creative time and vice versa. Establish 'do not disturb' periods when you are working on creative projects, and communicate these boundaries to your team. Likewise, ensure that your team knows when you are available for them and stick to these times. This mutual respect for time helps maintain focus and prevents burnout on both fronts.

Add your perspective

5 Harness Synergy

Look for opportunities where your creative pursuits can benefit your team or where managing a team can inspire your creativity. Perhaps a problem-solving technique from your creative work can streamline a team process, or a team success can be a theme in your art. By finding these synergies, you not only enhance both areas of your life but also create a more dynamic and innovative environment for everyone involved.

Add your perspective

6 Reflect Regularly

Regular reflection allows you to assess how well you're balancing your creative pursuits with team management. Take time to evaluate what's working and what isn't. Are you meeting your team's goals while also making progress on your personal projects? Reflecting on these questions can help you make necessary adjustments to ensure you continue to thrive in both roles.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

William R. Jenkins, Jr.

Author - Former Environmental Engineering CAD Manager and Principal Designer
Report contribution
Firmly set limits to workload in a manner that prioritizes a well defined segment that is not to be used for other assignments. Make certain coworkers and management accept these personal creative guidelines with a respect for your creative time.

Like

Unhelpful

Here's how you can juggle your own creative pursuits while managing a team.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Delegate Wisely

3 Communicate Openly

4 Set Boundaries

5 Harness Synergy

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Writing

More relevant reading

Here's how you can juggle your own creative pursuits while managing a team.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Delegate Wisely

3 Communicate Openly

4 Set Boundaries

5 Harness Synergy

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Writing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills