I grew up reading the comics created by Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, and Rob Liefeld. Their attention to detail, the feeling of action, and the beautiful characters they created stimulated my mind as I read through their superhero stories. They were part of the original Image Comics founders.
They’ve all parted ways, but Rob is still doing comics. He’s even revived his original creation of Youngblood. More importantly, he’s been hosting a podcast called Robservations where he talks about the state of the comic industry.
Recently, Mike Mayhew was on the Robservations Podcast. He and Rob Liefeld were discussing the comic book industry. The conversation was riveting.
During their conversation, Mike stated that so many artists in the comic book world take the same path. They do the time-consuming work of creating original artwork for a publisher, and then they go out on the road to comic conventions. There, they spend time, money, and energy trying to sell to more people.
Mike said these creators live in the same fishbowl. They’re unwilling to break free.
Other creators have found that they needed to get out of the fishbowl. To find something new and different. But still within the comic book industry.
These creators have begun looking at live streaming, direct-to-consumer, and Whatnot shows to build an unbeatable following and earn a very good living. One, they wouldn’t have been working for a big publisher such as Marvel Comics or DC Comics.
They’ve broken out of the comic book fishbowl.
Break Out Of The Fishbowl
Mike and Rob’s experiences got me thinking. How many leaders are stuck in the fishbowl? How many leaders are floundering? Struggling to feel like their work matters? Wanting more but getting the same?
Far too many.
I want to encourage you to break out of the fishbowl. It’s scary at first. I’m sure Mike and Rob would agree. However, once the fishbowl lay broken on the floor, their world became so much bigger. They gained back time. They gained back relationships. They gained back ownership.
Here’s how you can break out of your fishbowl:
Look around you:
What’s going on within your organization? Do you feel valued? Do you see an opportunity to advance further in your career?
Answer each one honestly.
If you answer in a negative manner to multiple questions, it may be time to break the fishbowl.
Talk to trusted advisors:
You’ve built relationships with people you can trust. You value their opinions. You’re willing to let them speak life and value into you.
Tell these advisors how you’re feeling. You may tell them:
- I think I’ve given all I can at my current organization. What do you think?
- So much has changed. I don’t see a way for me to continue growing there. Is this what you see?
- It’s like I’m treading water. I can’t make progress in the projects I’m leading. Do you think it’s time I look for something new?
Listen to what your advisors tell you when you present them with your current situation. There’s a good chance they’ve been there before. There’s a good chance they have something to tell you.
If they tell you something and you’re unsure of what they mean, don’t hesitate to ask them for clarification. Sometimes, getting clarification can help you see the bigger picture. You may decide to stay. Or you may decide to shake the fishbowl until it falls off the table.
Break the fishbowl:
You’ve assessed your current situation. It’s not looking good. There’s stagnation. There’s frustration. You feel like you need to move on.
You’ve also talked to your trusted advisors. From what you’ve told them, they see the fishbowl you’re stuck in isn’t good. You need to break free.
Now, it’s time for you to break the fishbowl.
- Begin a new job search. Look for organizations where you’d be a great fit
- Talk to friends and family to see if they know of any place that is hiring.
- Consider going into business for yourself (like Rob and Mike did)
- Take the first step
If you find yourself ready to move, break the fishbowl. Look for a new position. Find places that are hiring. Start your own thing.
Many times, you’ll find yourself and those around you happier when you break the fishbowl. It’s scary at first. You know the devil you deal with every day in your current organization. You don’t at one you’ve never worked for. However, I’ve talked to so many leaders who thrive and excel once they’ve broken out of their fishbowl and tried something new.
What’s your next step?
