That’s the Fucking Point.

I realized something recently about creative leadership — and the kind of creative leader I want to be.

I don't need to be the person getting the award. I'd rather be the person the person getting the award thanks.

Don't get me wrong. I'll take the award too.

But there's something I care about more: helping another creative become better than they thought they could be.

I want to teach people everything I know. Challenge them. Tell them what is or isn't working — and help them understand why. And I want them to challenge me back.

I want to watch their judgment develop until one day they bring me something and I think:

Well, shit. I wouldn't have thought of that.

That's the goal.

I don't want underlings. I want people who eventually don't need me.

But mentorship isn't passive. If I'm going to pour everything I know into you, you have to show up too.

Care about the details.

Bring your ideas. Bring your curiosity. Bring your effort. Bring your willingness to hear “this isn't there yet” and go figure out how to make it better.

Take what I teach you and go somewhere I couldn't.

I'll hold the ladder. I'll tell you where to put your feet. I'll even reach down and help pull you up.

But you still have to climb.

My rungs might be a little high. I'm going to expect you to reach.

And if someday you climb higher than I ever did?

Good.

That's the FUCKING point.