Artists are sensitive and constantly in touch with their emotions. Mature artists are some of the most innovative leaders to master self-awareness and self-expression. On the downside, derailing artists can retreat into self-inhibition. Executive coaching can help artists retrain their focus on behaviors that limit their weaknesses and potentiate their strengths.

Being an artist requires sensitivity, intuition, self-expression, self-revelation, and individualism. At first glance, this collection of traits may not look like a good fit for a business leader. However, those possessing the artist trait can be outstanding leaders as well.

So long as they keep their penchant for self-expression from turning into self-absorption and their self-revelation from turning into self-inhibition, artists can save themselves from derailing.

Creativity has never spoiled a leader’s potential. 

Artists Are Among the Most Prolific Innovators in the Business World

Artists’ creativity helps them explore new ideas and approaches, often leading to breakthrough innovations. Mature artists possess deep understandings of their identities and use self-awareness as a powerful leadership tool.

From the perspective of leadership coaching, mature artists are keen on improving themselves. They find it easy to make connections and draw relevant conclusions from coaching discussions.

Unfortunately, derailing artists may turn many leadership assets into liabilities. Deep introspection can turn into continuous self-scrutiny that may diminish the self-worth of the leader.

Becoming entangled in the intricacies of their own identities, artists may lose touch with those around them. Leaders who possess predominant artist traits may neglect leadership responsibilities, delegating everything to employees and taking back seats.

Are You a Mature Artist? 

Business coaching professionals understand the features and proclivities that accompany the artist leadership trait. If you possess the following tendencies, you may be a mature artist leader.

• You are intuitive and people consider you a creative person.
• You like solitude. You are often at your most creative when you’re alone.
• You find it natural to show compassion and respect for others.
• You have fears you’re not afraid to discuss openly.
• You accept emotions as part of life and you’re comfortable with yours.
• Your imagination tends to run wild. Your fantasies keep you from doing productive work.

Although mature artists have strong grips on their identities, inner-core identity issues are the root causes behind most artists’ derailing behaviors.

When Artists Derail

Executive coaching understands and appreciates the importance of a strong inner core, and identity is the centerpiece of your inner core. When leaders face problems with their identities, they’re in trouble. Identity issues can easily derail artist leaders.

You may be a derailing artist leader if you find yourself engaging in the following:

• Your self-absorption makes you shy and vulnerable.
• You seek the easy way out of conflicts.
• You find yourself depressed and angry with yourself.
• You hate the idea of responsibility.
• You withdraw from most human contact, losing touch with those around you.
• You’re always fatigued and unable to do productive work.

Executive Coaching Can Keep Artists on the Right Track

As an artist leader, you should focus your leadership energies on unleashing creativity in others and keeping yourself in good physical and mental shape.

• Don’t view your emotions as factors that define you.
• Steer clear of negativity. Artist types are highly sensitive to all types of negativities (real or imagined).
• Don’t wait until you’re in the right mood to complete your work. Procrastination will stress you out and set you back further.
• Break tasks down into small, achievable bits.
• Self-discipline is essential for artists. It can help control their derailing behaviors. Keeping in good mental and physical shape can help you maintain healthy self-discipline.
• Try to redefine and reframe failures as learning opportunities.
• Overcome your tendency to get stuck in the past. Make the present and future bigger priorities in your life and leadership.

Discipline is the key to success. 

Many find it difficult to work with and approach artist leaders, especially immature artists. Successful cooperation with an artist requires patience, a safe environment, and well-established trust.

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