Related Posts
Additional Posts in Creatives
Are Creative Directors rich?
FCB Health Chicago - What’s it like?
Mentor
Who here is freelancing while working full time?
GSP San Fran or Leo Chicago?
Enthusiast
Community Builder
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I mean, the real answer is being able to handle the client, stick up for the work and craft the work of those below you in a way that the person above you thinks “I trust this person to lead.”
It’s less that you achieve a certain thing or check a certain box, more that you inspire confidence as a leader.
Yes handle a client. Yes manage teams. Also manage the internal clients- make the account and strat people feel heard but don’t let them take over the work. Make sure you have the right people, right number of people and strategic insights to get the project done on time. And you have enough time. Orchestrate everything so it “just happens.”
In short, inspire confidence from everyone that the project will run smoothly, clients will be happy, the work will be good and your bosses don’t feel threatened or ignored.
It’s a lot. But that’s what my best CDs do.
It’s hard but it can be done.
People are busy and you end up being the lead on a call, on a presentation, someone’ sick and you handle the work as if their role didn’t even exist, the teams under you request working for you. All those things happen and you move up within the same agency (assuming budgets and resource spread allow).
I’ve always got internal promotions this way at all my agencies in 3 different countries.
If budget, structure or climate at your agency doesn’t allow that - or if you want things to happen a little faster - you can always jump ship. I’d say most ppl get to change role this way. I’m the lucky 10% that never had to do it 🤷🏻♀️
Mentor
I’m the total opposite. Anytime I moved up, it was because I jumped ship.
Comes down to trust as CD1 said. If I’m not in the room or on the call, do I trust you’ll handle things and push the best work.
Necesito trabajo
Manage your own project. Nobody is going to ask you to or say here you manage this now. You do it. Know the check-ins, do the pre checkins, have everything tight. Don’t have to be asked. Present your work. Defend it. Don’t be too defensive. If you want to be a cd start being a cd. Eventually you will get the title.
In the same place might be tough, gotta jump ship. Well, unless you stick it out for a long time and they haven’t laid you off but even then someone less qualified than you would show up and they’ll be given the position. Depends on your relationship with your colleagues and if you’re a “culture fit” too.
I’ve been told once you reach a certain level your network gets you the opportunities not the job applying that we usually do.
I’m guessing the higher you go, the fewer these positions are and more neck to neck the competition is, so things like awards, network, and experience becomes super important.
typically happens when you win an award or a new biz pitch.
It comes down to trust. Your boss has to trust that you have great taste in creative and craft, and that you know when to push, and when to give in with the clients.