Suppose you are in your 20’s, you have a great and edgy idea for a television show and you’ve met all thoughts of skepticism with motivation and determination. You are unstoppable, except of course for the necessary funding, which, relative to most television productions, is equal to the daily catering budget. The goal is to get a great pilot made- a pilot that will hook viewers in the opening scene. In other words, there will be lots of on-screen drama. But that on-screen drama will only be enabled by off-screen peace.

I was recently told about a young filmmaker based in LA who, along with two of her young colleagues, has just such an idea – and the apparent drive to make it happen. As they describe in their video, they are creating female characters that demonstrate the power of being “unapologetic about having an opinion, being smart and putting yourself out there.” Perhaps a reflection of themselves…yes? They are taking a risk to develop their Burnside project; they are going for it and their success will be based on many factors, most importantly, how well they work together behind the scenes.

When women get together for a common mission it creates a great opportunity for leadership, not as one single individual, but as a group. They can carve out their roles of expertise, determine their responsibilities and collaborate in a way that brings more creative power to the team than any single effort could produce. Leaders don’t go it alone; they maximize their strengths and  supplement their weaknesses through collaboration. 

Great leaders also encourage constructive, healthy debate and dialogue. Avoiding drama does not mean avoiding conflict, however. Creative conflict is embraced and well structured. The “conflict” can be about ideas, approaches, strategy, and techniques - not about gossip, personal attacks or hidden agendas. Everyone has a voice and everyone should be heard. Healthy conflict is transparent and honest and open, and after much debate, the ultimate decision is made and supported.

These young women exhibit another great quality of leadership – building a community to support their vision. Not only are they reaching out for financial support they also know the power of engagement.  The more they get a large following involved (financially and emotionally) the more invested people will be in their success. Resources and opportunities they never would have expected will come their way - including other supportive women.

Women who are established in their career paths and more experienced need to eliminate the drama as well. Instead of being the stereotypical more seasoned overachiever who resists the younger generation, let's embrace them. Just because it may have taken some of us many years, even decades to find our passion or create our destiny, does not mean it must be such an arduous path for the next generation of women. Why don’t we help them so their first step isn’t as hard as it was for us? 

When we strengthen one (or in this case, three) by supporting their efforts and encouraging risk taking spirit, we help build a community of engaged, successful women. Their success IS our success, ladies.  So step up and give them what we wish we had starting out – a supportive female community. The off-screen drama will be ideally boring, and the on-screen drama might just make it to the red carpet!

To find out more about the Burnside project, visit Kickstarter and check it out. 

Learn more about AmyK here.