Navigating the workplace with creative professionals can indeed be a unique and sometimes challenging experience. Creatives often have different working styles and needs compared to non-creatives. The insights from the Creative Circle survey provide valuable guidance on how to effectively manage and collaborate with creatives. Here's a summary of the best practices for working successfully with creatives:
1. Be Open to their Process:
Creatives often work in non-linear ways, so it's essential to give them the time and space to turn their ideas into deliverables. Communicate deadlines clearly but take a project-oriented approach to checking in rather than micromanaging. Allow for time and space for creativity to flow, including activities like brainstorming, daydreaming, and deep thinking.
2. Individualize Your Approach:
Understand that creative work can be deeply personal, and it's essential to build strong relationships with creatives. Get to know their values, preferred work environment, how they receive direction, and their feedback preferences. Align their work with the team and brand to maximize success.
3. Emphasize Collaboration:
Foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork rather than making creatives feel like they're working for you. Encourage brainstorming and open discussions, and make sure the creative team feels heard and valued. Approach projects as shared missions to make the work more exciting and inspiring.
4. Value their Creative Insight:
Acknowledge that creatives bring fresh and unique ideas to the table. Offer actionable feedback that guides their work, rather than vague or negative comments. Treat creatives with sensitivity, as they invest a lot of themselves in their work.
5. Finding the Right Fit:
During the interview process, consider critical factors such as the candidate's ability to meet tight deadlines, alignment of their style with your brand or project, and their preferred work process.
Ask about their experience with tight timelines and how they handle multiple deadlines. Review their portfolio to see if their style is suitable for your project and if they find your project inspiring. Understand their collaborative or independent work preferences and their feedback expectations.
By applying these best practices, you can effectively manage and collaborate with creatives, ultimately achieving outstanding results that meet both your and your clients' expectations. Understanding and respecting the unique nature of creative work is key to fostering a successful working relationship with creative professionals.