I’m starting to get staffed in more CD-level roles and floundering…I need creative director bootcamp. I don’t know how to ask the right questions, develop a creative process, structure a team, or even trust my own judgement on creative anymore. I’ve learned a bit from other CDs but they tend to be so high-level their skillsets aren’t as applicable since I still get in the weeds as an ACD. How can I learn this stuff without asking my manager for help every time I have to lead a team?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

So much of the job is learning while doing. The truth of it is, as you well know by this point that just because you’re a great creative doesn’t mean you’re a good manager of people. So if you don’t have that skill set don’t worry you can and will develop it. My biggest hurdle was learning to trust people. Your team is smart and capable. Lean on them to get the work done and to push the thinking. While they’re doing that it’s up to you to figure out how to organize it all together.
Also, be honest. You’re obviously they’re boss if you’re running things but it’s okay to ask what they think and get their input. Your job isn’t to judge the ideas based on personal feelings - it’s to make sure it pays off the brief and solves the business problem. Take a deep breath, work with your team and believe that you’re all smart people. You’ll be fine.

likeuplifting

This is great thank you. One of the biggest hurdles is feeling like I’m supposed to know everything since I’m leading the team. But I’ve been a lead with senior creatives who’ve been at it much longer than I have. So will definitely take this all to heart.

like

I love that you’re thinking about these things! I failed at being prepared and had a harder time getting to where I know you will get sooner! Nobody knows all the stuff right away. Learn as you go. Be open, learn to be decisive- sometimes a decisive cd is the best thing even when they’re not 100% right. Have little 15 minute one on ones with your team every other week.

likeupliftinghelpful

Miami Ad School was advertising one of these recently

likehelpful

following lol

like

“Herding Tigers” by Todd Henry is the best book I’ve read on the subject of transitioning from doer to director.

like

ACD can be a tough hurdle. That said, a good CD should be able to help you grow and identify opportunities. It’s our job, as much as anything else is, to nurture talent.

That said, some people just don’t have the CD mentality.

like

Related Posts

What is out there for someone who has a international relations degree and would want to work in lifestyle or fashion related fields? Not on the creative side but rather on the behind the scenes, communications, legal. Etc.

like

Are PE/ VC hours for associates / entry level really better than IB? Please respond if your in PE/ VC your honest weekly hours. Curious if it’s worth switching form IB or just changing careers if I can’t take these long hours anymore.

like

I’ve (consultant) delivered one engagement very badly, director was not satisfied with quality and I could admit it.
What do I do ? Do I need start looking for other job?

like

I get bored on a client after ~ 9 months, since fact patterns / solutions required evolve but content is constant. How bad is this for my career? I've otherwise been a top performer.

like

Hi there, does anyone know the real difference between PWC "Acceleration Center" management consulting program vs the actual management consulting program? Are they a lot different?

like

Any insights into leasing and asset finance analyst role at MUFG? Including work life balance, compensation, and exit opportunities? Any insights is much appreciated! Thank you!

like

Hi there, I’m about to join Deloitte’s Human Capital team as a Senior Consultant. In your view, which skills do I need to show and what do I need to deliver in order to progress to Manager?
Thanks for your help!

like

IBM (different location) or Accenture (my location) which one is better? Considering good learning, consistent CTC growth and WLB?? IBM Accenture IBM Accenture

like

For those at life science boutiques, how do you think your training, project exposure, and PD resources compare to other firms at the more junior levels (anything below EM)?

like

With 3 years of local firm tax experience (mainly individuals, some businesses) plus some bookkeeping, small company FS compilation, payroll, etc. Passed CPA exams, in process of licensing. What would be the best exit opportunity you could think of? Also it seems quite difficult to get in a large company. They seem prefer people from big 4. Currently making an effort to advance my excel skills and learning SQL. Located in PNW

like

Need help with career trajectory..
Currently 13 yoe, mba,pmp,making 122k in DC area. I am focused in Java development working in federal with TS sci ci poly. I did try Amazon didn't get it but have a couple of potential offers from fed consulting or contractors ~190k base. I know I need to get more experience in cloud and cicd to make myself more marketable. I think MS could be option but need FSP and couple of coworkers think not worth it.

Would love some advice on career trajectory.

like

Advice on talking yourself up in interviews to place yourself above your typical year’s pay/skill? I’m a 2nd yr that is way more qualified than just doc review/discovery/shadowing more senior lawyers but I don’t want a firm to use that as justification to kill/dump me with work. I want the work life balance I never got at my current job but don’t want to stunt my progress as a lawyer by signing on for entry level skilled work to get that balance. Is there a possible middle ground (1/2)

like

I've applied and networked for my dream job and didn't get an interview this time. Also dissatisfied with compensation and some of the responsibilities at my current job but have a lot of opportunity to learn. So the question is do I stay where I'm not thrilled to be now because it's good experience to set me up for the dream job next time there's an opening, or do I leave now to an option that's better pay and more interesting but farther off the path towards my long term goal?

Any Big4 Cyber PPMDs in here? Curious to hear about whether the journey was worth it compared to industry or “technical” boutique.

like

Hello Fishes,
What kind of role does a Deputy Manager in the risk consulting service line perform. I am currently a senior consultant at EY India is it a similar kind of role?

Hi fishes,

I've received offers from Harman International's Audio Lifestyle Division (15 LPA Fixed), DevOn (17 LPA Fixed), HCL's (14 Fixed + 1 V), Annalect (16 F + 1 V), UST Global(16 F + 1 V), and Rakuten (16 F).

Which choice offers the best WLB, job security, and future growth for me? I have worked in front-end development for 3.5 years in total.

Hi fishes
Is EY INDIA better or EY GDS in terms of growth,onsite and paywise? And for long-term

like

Hi folks,

How can we get onsite opportunities long/short term?? I'm into core development ( Full stack), I don't see much possibilities of getting onsite opportunities in my domain.

Can anyone guide me what should I concentrate on? Should i write any exam or so? Is there any group/consultancy which can facilitate to get onsite opportunity???

May I know the grading within Standard Chartered? I am applying for a job in branding and communication at SC UK

I am confused by the title, like Associate, Manager, Associate Director and Director.

And also, the salary range between Associate and Associate Director is so close. What is the market range in the banking industry in the UK?

like

Hi all! I recently finished my Masters in Biology. I worked on a few studies with human subjects as well as animal work. I am hoping to get a job in clinical research as either a CRC or CRA. I previously worked at a doctors office as a care manager for 4 years, but outside of my academic work I don’t have experience in research. What advice do you all have for entering the field in my position?
Thanks!!

More Posts

Hey Amazonians,

I am L4 Team manager in SDS CS, could some one help me with the expected package after me promoting to L5 GRPM?
Rn my CTC base is around 8.5lpa

Thank you in advance! @

like

I’m a certified pharmacy tech, 18 yrs experience, Iv certified, chemotherapy experience. Currently working for paragon healthcare- I make 23 dollars an hour. Am I being compensated fairly?

like

My friend is looking for opportunities under commercial lending. He has 4+ years of experience in this domain. He is currently looking for a job switch at Bangalore location. For any leads please dm me. I can share the details of the candidate. Thanks.

like

Hi Fishes,

Looking for Job in Angular, Vue, Javascript Development, Any Refferals please???

like

Recommendations for restaurants in Chinatown please?

like

Have you guys ever worked a role and thought you could do see yourself doing this forever?

likehelpful

Hilton getting sued for espionage is the Cold War we needed in 2020. Acc right now is not a bad time for bad press considering the industry is in the toilet anyway

like

What's up everyone? I saw a salary survey posted earlier. What do y'all think I should make at a litigation boutique that handles primarily business litigation on a contingency fee? No billable hours.

Hi Folks.. any idea how much a manager (level 2) is paid in Accenture. Group is applied intelligence in Toronto.

like

What does the PwC FDD case interview consist of? And does it vary based on if you’re interviewing for sr. associate or manager?

like

What should be salary expectation of 10+ year experience Full stack Engineer at GCB 5 senior consultant specialist role in hsbc pune?

like

Has anyone used or is currently using My Perspectives ELA curriculum from Savvas Learning Company? Our district is considering switching from iReady and I am looking for honest feedback. Thanks!

like

Right now I’m unhappy in my role due to bad management. I work in NYC at a beauty/CPG company. I have an opportunity to move to a new role internally which I am trying to make happen just to get some sanity. I have 6 years total experience (4 + as an IT project manager/ business analyst and 2 on as a Tech Product lead) but am considering if I should consider finding a new job. Any advice or recommendations for positions? And what salary range should be like for similar roles?

like

What makes you want to learn yet another programming framework / library / language besides the stack at work?

like

Has anyone here found success as a marketing consultant? I’m interested in one day becoming one and I’m curious what the timeline and type of experiences I should expect to go through before getting there.

like
like

How would you spend $200k cash at the year end? I have emergency fund, investments etc, so dont need the liquidity. Been evaluating rental condo-duplexes - but unsure if I should wait for the slump

like

Is it worth buying Boeing stock? Apparently there’s a risk if the go bust but I doubt that will happen.

like

Peer feedback season here. There's always a question on these forms to list the person's "areas to improve"and for most people it's honestly the only time I ever consider things they're doing wrong. If the question is required I have to think of some BS weakness that's not a big deal, then assume that is getting discussed in the person's evaluation and they're writing up OKRs about it or something. Does this exercise really provide enough useful information to be worth it? How do you handle it?

like

Additional Posts in Creatives

I’m a Canadian looking to move to NYC in the next year. Post your best advice!

How do you find new photographers?

like

LA agencies/creatives open this week?

like

Would this be allowed in today’s climate?

Post Photo
likefunny

Budweiser: This year we’re not doing a superbowl commercial. So watch this commercial to learn why we’re not doing a commercial. And also check out the other beer brand commercials that we own but are not us because we’re not doing a commercial.

likefunnysmart

If your ad wins a lion who keeps it? You? Your CD? The agency?

Has anybody made the move off of Macs? Between their garbage customer service and their crap redesigns of late, I’m thinking about switching. But kind of terrified of learning a new system. Thoughts?

like

The job market is really heating up. I’m getting a lot more opportunities to get turned down for jobs these days.

likefunny

Shout out to everyone trying to make good work. It’s not easy, as evidenced by all the crap I’ve seen running this morning. Keep fighting the good fight.

like

As a junior going to a networking event later, would it be weird to bring some resumes with me or should I just focus on meeting people?

What’s the current mid-level salary range in big cities (LA, NY, CHI) ?

like

I have dreams of becoming a creative director. Any tips on how to reach that?

likeuplifting

Are there any agencies hiring for junior copywriters? I have a lot of experience, but it seems like no one is hiring right now.

like

I’m considering applying to a position at GSD&M. Can anyone tell me what it’s really like there? Looking to know the good and the bad

like

Best places for creative inspiration In Chicago right now?

like