I have been thinking a lot about the unique position marketing professionals have in the A/E/C industry. Not only in our day to day tasks but about the mindsets we have toward ourselves and our roles within our firms.
Is it possible to change others around us by changing the way we think of ourselves first? This can start within even how we see our function within the firm.
Many of Tasks and Responsibilities
We are often charged with coming up and implementing business development, marketing, and proposal management procedures that we have no authority to enforce.
We are relied on heavily to get everything done and submitted to the client on time, no matter what.
Often, we are also tasked with coming up with very creative writing, graphics, etc.
Many of us were not formally trained in or studied A/E/C marketing prior to starting our positions.
This unique position is a hybrid of several roles, but I want to point out two specific ones first.
A Leader
The first is a leader. Often leaders are charged with influencing and inspiring people to make changes or come along with them. They are known for doing the right things and coaching rather than dictating. They can be more of the visionaries that set the tone for folks to follow.
A Manager
Managers tend to be more in the doing side of the business. They are often organizing and planning for the vision, directing operations to get it completed, and are focused on doing things right.
The Space Between
Where I see proposal and marketing professionals are in this space in between. I am calling a Leader-Manager. We need to influence, inspire and motivate those we don’t manage, but at the same time need to get the work done – through plans, tasks, etc. – and make sure they are correct.
Assume the Role as Leader-Manager
From this day forward, I want you to look at yourself through the lens of a leader-manager.
It goes beyond setting up or trying to enforce a process or procedure, but a leader who is inspiring others to value the importance of marketing efforts just as much as you. Your job as the leader is to set the vision that includes methods for others to follow.
This is an opportunity for you to assume leadership in proposal and marketing management.
You will notice that I said “assume” the leadership role. You might not have been officially given the title of the proposal manager or marketing manager, but if you are responsible to get this proposal into the client before the due date, then you need to assume the leadership role to get it done.
Your Turn
Are you ready to shift your thinking? Are you ready to assume the position of a leader-manager within your organization? Comment below with one way this mind shift will affect how you approach your next proposal.
I love this post. Taking ownership of our career and the way we think about what we do daily makes all the difference in the world. If you trudge through the day thinking woe is me, then that is how those around you will perceive you. But if you take the bull by the horns and stand up, take ownership and be proud of what you have accomplished then those around will see a confident, capable person that they want to be around.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I was a bit nervous to write this one because I wasn’t sure how others would take it. I hope it came across as empowering not demeaning.
~Lindsay