Creative Leadership Self-Assessment
Defining creative leadership in practical terms remains a challenge for me—not in theory but in the real world, where leaders, even those employing creative strategies, often face significant shortcomings. We live in a time rife with challenges that traditional leadership models are ill-equipped to address. In my view, creative leadership must be dynamic, adaptable, and willing to evolve continuously—a form of indeterminacy. While this is not a strict definition, it highlights what creative leadership is not: static, rigid, or formulaic.
Creativity as a concept is a relatively new addition to our vocabulary and worldview, especially in leadership. Prompted by the post-war era, psychologists in the mid-20th century began exploring creativity and the “creative person,” striving to define what makes creativity a cornerstone of human potential. During this time, creativity became a symbol of individualism, distinguishing Western societies from collectivist systems like the USSR. It was marketed as the antidote to modern problems, promising progress and innovation. However, the reality fell short of the ideal, and decades later, creativity often feels like a tool wielded to fuel capitalism and productivity rather than a means for meaningful change.
This historical context prompts critical questions: if creativity has been co-opted to sustain systems of consumption and efficiency, how can creative leadership disrupt these systems? How can we reclaim creativity as a force for progress and equity rather than simply productivity?
Creativity is about creating progress—better conditions, new possibilities, and meaningful improvements. I align more with being a “lead” than a “leader.” A lead guides not through power but through knowledge and experience. A lead walks alongside others, navigating challenges together, earning trust through shared journeys and a deep understanding of the terrain. I see myself embracing this role, particularly in the field of sustainable design.
It is challenging to pause and reflect in a world that moves at breakneck speed, where results are demanded quickly to fuel an endless production cycle. Yet, stepping back is essential for any creative leader. Reflection allows us to understand the paths that brought us here and envision the roles we want to play in our communities and in society. For me, creative leadership means prioritizing this reflection—balancing the urgency of results with the long-term impact of meaningful action.
As a woman of color and an immigrant, I am at a pivotal moment in defining what I want to project through my life and career. I aspire to stand for what I believe is correct and to be an example for others who share my background and experiences. While this sounds idealistic, small, intentional actions can create a snowball effect. Over the past year, I have embraced this philosophy in my work, becoming more vocal about advocating for better practices and encouraging my coworkers to do the same. These small actions—whether initiating conversations about sustainability or encouraging collaboration—can inspire others and ripple outward.
Throughout my professional career, I have often found myself in the minority, making finding my voice a continuous journey. For years, I struggled with assertiveness, navigating when to listen, learn, and absorb versus when to speak up and advocate for what matters. Over time, I’ve grown more confident in asserting myself while maintaining the humility to recognize when it’s time to listen and grow.
This balance has also influenced how I support others, particularly those earlier in their careers. I encourage them to align their decisions with their values, fostering a workforce more reflective of individual principles and capable of demanding systemic change. These collective efforts, though incremental, hold the potential to challenge and ultimately transform the status quo.
Creative Leadership Development Plan
Based on my reflection, I recognize that certain aspects of my leadership could benefit from a more creative and adaptable approach. While I have made progress in advocating for better practices and supporting collaboration, there are key areas where I can grow to enhance my effectiveness as a creative leader. Below, I outline specific areas for improvement, actionable steps to develop these skills, and ways to measure my progress.
Areas for Improvement
1. Flexibility
I am working to strengthen my flexibility. While I value listening and learning from others, I need to remain more open to alternative perspectives and approaches, even when they challenge my own. The world is multifaceted, and everyone experiences it through their truths. Embracing this diversity of experiences will help me become more adaptable and better equipped to navigate ambiguity.
2. Collaboration
Collaboration, a key element in leadership, has always been important to me. However, I am committed to deepening this practice by intentionally surrounding myself with voices that bring different perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences. This means creating opportunities to work with people whose views differ from mine, ensuring our collective efforts lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions. The value of diverse perspectives in leadership cannot be overstated.
3. Principled Leadership
I am committed to ensuring that my leadership decisions are grounded in the principles of equity and service to others rather than personal gain. I aim to amplify the voices of those who lack privilege and advocate for systemic change that benefits marginalized groups and protects the planet. This requires constantly examining my intentions and aligning my actions with these values. The significance of principled leadership in making ethical decisions cannot be overstated.
4. Risk-Taking for Change
While I’ve grown more confident in asserting my voice, I recognize the need to take risks that align with my commitment to justice and sustainability. This includes challenging systems that uphold inequity and advocating for transformative solutions, even when uncomfortable or difficult. If I ever find myself in a role or organization that does not align with these values, I will commit to doing everything in my power to remove myself and seek a space where I can lead authentically.
Actionable Steps for Growth
1. Practicing Flexibility
Active Listening: I will continue prioritizing listening to understand perspectives different from mine, particularly in team settings.
Exploring Alternative Solutions: When faced with challenges, I will consciously explore non-traditional approaches, even when they seem uncertain or unconventional.
Participating in Ambiguous Projects: I will seek out projects with undefined outcomes to practice navigating ambiguity and developing adaptable solutions.
2. Strengthening collaboration
Creating Inclusive Spaces: I will intentionally build teams and relationships with diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring all contributions are valued.
Engaging in Dialogue: I will actively seek constructive conversations with people whose viewpoints challenge my own, using these interactions as learning opportunities.
Learning from Others: I will continue to work closely with colleagues and mentors, drawing on their expertise and experiences to inform my decisions.
3. Leading with Principles
Prioritizing Equity and Sustainability: I will ensure my leadership decisions prioritize the well-being of underprivileged groups and the environment, striving for systemic change over personal gain.
Assessing Alignment: I will regularly evaluate whether my work aligns with my values and, if not, take action to align myself, even if it requires difficult transitions.
Amplifying Voices: I will use my platform and position to highlight the needs of those who are often unheard, ensuring that my leadership serves a greater purpose beyond individual or organizational success.
4. Embracing Risk-Taking
Small Experiments for Change: I will take calculated risks by experimenting with new approaches to problems, particularly those that challenge traditional systems.
Advocating Boldly: I will advocate for initiatives that align with my values, even when they disrupt the status quo, and reflect on these experiences to learn and grow.
Removing Barriers: If I find myself in situations where change feels impossible, or the environment is misaligned with my values, I will act decisively to seek spaces to create a meaningful impact.
Measuring Progress
Setting Specific Goals: I will set clear, measurable goals for each area, such as engaging in at least one ambiguous project per quarter, initiating collaboration with a diverse team, or leading an initiative focused on equity or sustainability.
Tracking Behaviors: I will maintain a journal to reflect on how I’ve practiced flexibility, collaboration, moral decision-making, and risk-taking. This will help me identify progress and areas for further growth.
Seeking feedback: I will seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and team members to understand how my leadership is perceived and where I can improve. Regular feedback sessions will provide valuable insights for continuous development.
Evaluating impact: I will assess the outcomes of my leadership decisions by reflecting on whether they contributed to creating a more equitable and sustainable environment. Tangible results, such as improved team dynamics or successful advocacy efforts, will be benchmarks for success.
By committing to these actionable steps, I aim to cultivate a leadership style rooted in creativity, adaptability, and intentional action. I will focus on creating systemic change, amplifying unheard voices, and ensuring my leadership serves a purpose larger than myself.
