Leadership is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond mere management responsibilities. At the Content Strategy Seattle June meetup, we had the privilege of hosting Michael Metts, an experienced leader who joined us from Chicago to share his thoughts on leadership and influence. In addition to his passion for pizza, Michael is an author, maker, and teacher who has done dozens of workshops and speaking engagements all over the world. In this blog post, we'll explore the key takeaways from Michael's talk and delve into the different facets of effective leadership.

Leadership Goes Beyond Management 

During the meetup, Michael posed a question to the audience, asking what they appreciate in a leader. Interestingly, many of the responses centered around characteristics typically associated with managers. This observation highlighted a prevalent misconception: equating management with leadership. To foster progress, it's crucial to differentiate between management and leadership, understanding that not every manager embodies the qualities we seek in a leader.

Developing Leadership Skills

To excel as leaders in the design world or any field, we must cultivate specific skills. Michael emphasized the importance of seeing the bigger picture and recognizing the interconnections between various elements. Leadership should serve as a conduit between the "have to," the "what," and the "why" of our stories. Michael shared an anecdote about his own growth as a leader, realizing that writing alone couldn't solve all his problems. He discovered the significance of early involvement and proactively addressing issues, rather than waiting until they became insurmountable.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Influence

Michael faced several challenges in his journey towards becoming an influential leader. First, he found others encroaching on his responsibilities. By clearly defining his role and presenting it to his manager, he effectively regained control. Second, he felt excluded from key meetings and decisions, hindering his ability to perform his job effectively. Taking the initiative to establish collaborative team practices allowed him to contribute more meaningfully and address the issues at hand. Finally, he tackled the problem of subpar features by developing a structured approach, using worksheets and fostering collaboration. Over time he built relationships, faced setbacks, and continually adapted his strategy.

The Time and Evolution of Leadership 

Michael stressed that leadership is not an instant process. It requires time, trial, and error. Crucially, leadership is not confined to designated roles; anyone can be a leader by leading conversations and ensuring inclusivity. Michael presented a list of traits that can contribute to effective leadership. These traits include authority, entertainment, belief, observation, trust, planning, generosity, thoughtfulness, and humility. By incorporating these traits into our daily practices, we can enhance our leadership capabilities.

Diverse Perspectives on Leadership

Michael also shared insights from individuals in non-tech industries, showcasing different perspectives on leadership. These perspectives ranged from understanding the whole person and valuing their input, to embracing flexibility, experimentation, and inclusivity. Additionally, the importance of learning from others and acknowledging that we are all in this together emerged as crucial elements of effective leadership.

Content Strategy Seattle's June meetup provided a valuable opportunity to learn from Michael Metts about leadership and influence. Through his experiences and insights, we gained a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of leadership and how it extends beyond traditional management roles. Developing leadership skills, overcoming challenges, and embracing diverse perspectives are all vital steps toward becoming effective leaders. Remember, leadership is a journey that requires continuous growth and adaptability. If you're interested in exploring leadership further, Michael offers workshops at leadinglikeyou.com. Embrace the opportunity to lead with influence and make a positive impact in your personal and professional spheres.

View the video of Michael’s talk at Content Strategy Seattle

Get Michael’s book: Writing Is Designing: Words and the User Experience: Metts, Michael J., Welfle, Andy, Madden, Nick