The 6 Things That All Great Creative Teams Possess.
A great creative team brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, creating a melting pot of ideas and inspirations. No matter the industry, these teams serve as catalysts for originality, problem-solving, and transformative thinking.
Here are some of the things that great teams do to lead with empathy, inclusion, and approach our work and each other with care…
Diverse Perspectives:
Creative teams are always going to be diverse…to varying extents because we’re all individuals with our own backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This diversity brings a range of perspectives, ideas, and insights to the team. It gives us a rich and varied creative process. This combination of different viewpoints is part of what leads to innovative and inspiring creative work.
Nonlinear Thinking:
Great creative teams embrace nonlinear thinking, allowing for unconventional approaches and solutions. They challenge traditional norms and explore new possibilities, pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. This mindset allows us to generate novel ideas and break through creative barriers.
Collaboration and Synergy:
When we’re at our best, we thrive on collaboration. We understand the power of collective creativity and build upon each other's ideas. Through brainstorming, ideation sessions, and constructive feedback, team members contribute to refining and enhancing concepts, resulting in stronger work.
Embracing Risk and Failure:
We need to be comfortable with taking risks and embracing failure as part of the creative process. We should understand that not all ideas will succeed and that when something doesn’t work, it’s a valuable learning opportunity. This mindset encourages experimentation, innovation, and resilience in the face of setbacks like missed goals, or disappointing reviews. I personally don’t really use the word fail. You’ll regularly hear me say, it didn’t work. We tried something and it didn’t work. If you’re not “failing” at least in some small ways on a regular basis, I feel like you’re probably not taking enough risk to know where your limit is.
Fluidity and Adaptability:
We absolutely need to be flexible and adaptable. The creative process is dynamic and unpredictable. We quickly pivot, adjust our approach, and embrace new ideas. This agility allows us to respond to changing situations and ship a creative work that’s meaningful and valuable.
Finally, the most important…
Constructive Feedback
Providing feedback in the right way is imperative to building and maintaining trust with your team, and making for an inclusive culture.
· Be specific: Provide clear and specific feedback about the aspects you like and those that need improvement. Vague feedback can be confusing and unhelpful. For example, instead of saying, "I don't like it," explain why certain elements could be adjusted.
· Focus on the work, not the person: Separate the individual from their creative work. Critique the work itself, avoiding personal attacks or making it about the person's abilities or character. This helps maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.
· Start with positives: Begin by highlighting the strengths and positive aspects of the creative work. Acknowledge the effort, creativity, or unique elements that you admire. This creates a foundation of support and makes the feedback more balanced.
· Be constructive, not destructive: Frame your feedback in a constructive manner, offering suggestions for improvement. Instead of simply pointing out flaws, provide actionable advice or alternative approaches that could enhance the work. This encourages growth and development.
· Use "I" statements: Share your feedback from your perspective using "I" statements. This avoids sounding authoritative or making sweeping judgments. For example, say, "I feel this part could be stronger if..." or "I think it might be beneficial to consider..."
· Encourage dialogue: Create an open and safe space for discussion by inviting the recipient to share their thoughts and perspectives on the feedback. Encourage them to ask questions or seek clarification. This fosters a collaborative environment and demonstrates that their input is valued.
· Offer support and resources: If possible, provide resources, references, or suggestions that can help the individual further develop their skills or overcome challenges. This shows your commitment to their growth and improvement.
· Be mindful of timing and delivery: Choose an appropriate time and place to deliver feedback. Find a balance between timeliness and giving the person space to process their work. Deliver the feedback in a private setting, if possible, to maintain confidentiality and respect.
· Follow up and follow through: After providing feedback, check in with the individual to see how they are progressing. Offer ongoing support and guidance as needed. Following up demonstrates your genuine interest in their growth and development.
Creative teams are the driving force behind innovation, success, and growth in any organization or industry. They bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, and skills, fostering an environment where ideas can flourish and breakthroughs can happen. By embracing collaboration, encouraging risk-taking, and valuing creativity, organizations can unleash the full potential of their teams and unlock new possibilities. Creative teams not only solve problems but also redefine the way we think, connect, and experience the world, especially in the arts. Their collective imagination and unique approaches are essential in today's dynamic and competitive landscape. So, let us celebrate and empower our creative teams with outstanding, compassionate, and intentional leadership!
If you're looking for support on how to better lead your team, please consider reaching out to me.
My consulting firm, Strategic Arts Marketing, is here for you. At our core, we’re experts at connecting artists with audiences. We take pride in advising and coaching passionate people just like you in the areas of marketing and building and leading creative teams.
Leveraging 25+ years of experience in the performing arts and live entertainment business, we can help you with…
Marketing and sales strategy.
Leadership and performance psychology.
Building and leading creative teams.
Attracting support for you, your business, and your vision.
Whether you’re a non-profit, private business, or seeking individual coaching, we love providing that support, wisdom, and guidance you need to succeed.
All the very best,
Jason Paddock