Play Your Strong Suit: From Doer to Director
Ready to level up your career and transition from an account manager to a director? It’s an exciting challenge, and with the right mindset and tools, you can make the leap successfully. Camey O’Keefe, a seasoned expert in account management and Director of Gambol Creative, has shared some practical and inspiring tips that will guide you on this journey. Let’s dive into the key strategies to help you step into a leadership role.
Master the Basics First
Before diving into leadership, it’s essential to have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of account management. Camey stresses, “Don’t lose sight of the skills and value you already bring to the table.” Mastering the basics not only builds confidence but also makes you a go-to person for your team. Your deep understanding of client needs, communication, project management, and problem-solving are the building blocks of your leadership ability. You’ll be more successful as a director if you’re grounded in these core skills, so continue to hone them even as you take on new responsibilities.
See the Big Picture
To succeed as a director, you need to shift your focus from day-to-day tasks to the bigger picture. Camey advises directors to think strategically about their clients’ businesses and the industry as a whole. A strong director is a strategic thinker who anticipates client needs, keeps an eye on trends, and aligns their team with long-term goals. Understanding where the industry is headed and being proactive about changes allows you to lead with foresight. It’s not just about executing projects, it’s about shaping the future of your clients and your agency.
Lead with Confidence
Leadership is about inspiring, guiding, and empowering your team to succeed. Camey suggests that aspiring leaders start by identifying and observing the qualities of leaders they admire. Whether it’s their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, or the way they motivate their team, there’s always something to learn from others. Start practicing leadership even before you officially move into the role. Whether it’s offering guidance to a junior team member or leading a small project, take every opportunity to develop your leadership style. Camey’s tip: “Start leading, even when you’re not officially in charge yet.” Cultivate skills like decisiveness, active listening, and delegation, key traits of any great leader.
Embrace Accountability and Keep Learning
As a director, accountability becomes a key responsibility. You’ll need to take ownership of both successes and challenges, which shows your maturity and earns the trust of your team. Camey puts it this way: “How comfortable are you to take ownership and be accountable for outcomes, good or bad?” Being willing to step up, even when things don’t go as planned, shows strength and resilience.
In addition to accountability, never stop learning. Whether through mentorship, attending workshops, or reading up on leadership and industry trends, continuous growth is vital. Learning helps you adapt, stay ahead of the curve, and tackle new challenges. Camey advises to stay curious and open to new perspectives, as this will help you grow into the director role faster and more effectively.
Make Your Mark and Drive Results
As a director, your impact on the agency and its clients becomes even more significant. Camey suggests focusing on creating value and making improvements wherever possible. Whether it’s optimizing internal processes, improving client satisfaction, or driving innovative ideas, your contributions will be noticed. By making a meaningful difference and supporting your team, you not only elevate the agency’s performance but also build a reputation as a leader. “The quickest way to get recognition is to make it better,” says Camey.
Transitioning from account manager to director is an exciting journey that’s full of opportunities for personal and professional growth. By mastering the basics, expanding your vision, leading with confidence, and embracing accountability, you’ll be well-prepared for success in a leadership role. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep making your mark. With these strategies and insights from Camey O’Keefe, you’ll be on your way to becoming the kind of director who inspires their team and drives results.
Want to learn more? Watch the full webinar session to dive deeper into these career-boosting tips! You can also connect with Camey on LinkedIn for more insights and advice.