How to up your event planning leadership skills
Leading and managing a team is part and parcel of your job. On any given day, you’ll have to manage a team comprised of different (and oftentimes, opposing) personalities, skill sets and attitudes. If you want to get the most out of your event planning team without resorting to blackmail or becoming the event industry’s version of Anna Wintour, we’re here to help. Jack Welch, the CEO of General Electric (GE), changed the leadership game with his unique approach.
Be a leader, instead of a manager.
The difference between the two may not seem like much, but when you’re heading up a team of staff, the differing effects soon become evident. No one wants to be micro-managed, and no one likes to be the one doing the micro-managing. Choosing to approach your role from the perspective of a leader not only makes your employees more receptive to guidance, but assists them in growing their skill set. A good leader inspires and motivates their team, as opposed to a manager who often drives their team using fear as a whip.
See the wood for the trees.
In other words, never assume anything. Many team leaders accept a situation after a cursory glance. As the person in charge of a department or team, it’s your responsibility to dig a little deeper. Make it a priority to familiarise yourself with the goings-on in your department – gathering feedback from all team members is a good way to ensure that you’ve got a realistic idea of any given situation.
Keep it simple.
Don’t get tripped up by the small things. Event planning is fraught with a million and one different tasks, which means that you need to simplify and streamline all processes where possible. It’s amazing how much time can be saved by re-evaluating existing structures and choosing the less complicated way of doing things. Cut though the complexity and aim to eliminate any unnecessary tasks.
Welcome change with open arms.
A fear of the unknown is natural, even if (for the most part), unfounded. Instead of avoiding change and unchartered waters, look at change as an opportunity for growth. As the saying goes, change is inevitable, which means that a confident, prepared attitude is the one that will inspire the rest of the team to tackle challenges or new projects with determination instead of fear.
Choose inspiration over instruction.
Chances are, you climbed the event planning corporate ladder thanks (in part) to a mentor or boss who took you under their wing and showed you the ropes. By being open and willing to nurture your team, you’re not only helping them to excel, but are setting the tone for a culture of collaboration and passion too.
Embrace new technology.
Many companies stick to software that they’ve used for years. While their reasons for using (often out-dated) technology vary, the impact is by and large, the same. Companies miss out on streamlined operations, improved efficiency and an overall increase in productivity, purely because they’re not open to adopting new software or operational technology. This is prevalent in the event planning and in the marketing industry too. Yet these are two industries which in theory, should be leading the way in innovative solutions.
Leading and managing a team of event planning pros is that much easier if you’re equipped with the right software. Find out why leading local and international brands use our event management software to streamline their event planning, and deliver world-class events, here.
