Managing Creative People

My creative direction style has always been as much hands off as it has been hands on. I have been on the receiving end of some very aggressive creative direction in my time and it has always had the opposite effect on me... draining my creative drive and killing the really great feeling you get from simply being creative.

So I read with interest this article at HOWdesign.com about managing creatives.

It has given me some insight into how I work, but also how those work with me. Of course there is always room for improvement. And my player/coach style has always been one that can blur the line between what my staff does and what I do. Which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

The key is communication of course. Learning to LISTEN to what the creative people need and finding ways to help them get it. I am big on morale. Happy workers make good work. Plain and simple.

Anyway, the article was good and thought I would share it.

Peace.