Receive FREE updates about creativity and coaching from the Wishful Thinking blog:
E-mail (More
info)
Latest blog posts
2. Collaboration
Creative Partnerships and Teamwork
In the Creative Industries, creativity is not just a case of isolated thinking by a group of workers designated 'creatives'. Although the creatives are critically important, they work within a complex network of human relationships, involving many different people:
- Professional Creatives - Writers, Designers, Photographers, Musicians, Actors
- Creative Directors, Producers and other Team Leaders
- Account Managers
- Engineers, Programmers and other Technical Experts
- Researchers
- Marketers
- External Creative and Business Partners
- Freelancers
- Clients
- Audience
and Customers
What you want to avoid:
Communication
breakdown
However talented your people are, there is a danger that the best ideas
and intentions will get 'lost in translation' between the various
people listed above. When the success of a creative project depends
on individuals, teams, departments and companies working
together,
effective communication is not just desirable but essential.
Misunderstandings can be disastrous, not just for individual projects
but for your reputation and future business relationships.
Conflict
Sometimes
'creative tension' between people can be a good thing, keeping people
on their toes and saving them from complacency. Taken too far however,
it can lead to destructive conflict between individuals, teams and
companies. It's hard to underestimate the potential damage
this
can do to your business - all your best efforts at creating the best
product or service can be undermined or destroyed if working
relationships break down.
The
'silo mentality'
The
obvious
example of this in the Creative Industries is mutual suspicion
between ‘creatives’ and
’suits’, but a similar
‘us and them’ mentality can develop between all
kinds of
different people - agency and client, management and junior staff,
programmers and designers, directors and shareholders. Apart from the
fact that dealing in stereotypes isn’t very creative, the
inefficiencies are glaring - in
an era of 'joined up' media, you can't afford to have a fragmented team.
What you want to achieve:
Clear
communication
When
people are looking at a situation from others' perspective as well as
their own, it becomes easy to 'speak their language'. When
everyone is clear about the common goal and their role in achieving it,
they are able to act much more effectively. And when they are
clearly communicating their own needs and having them met, they develop
trust in each other. In these ways, communication builds
stronger
working relationships for the future as well as delivering success in
the present.
Clear communication leads to better collaboration. Teams get into a 'virtuous cycle' where shared understanding and improved working behaviours reinforce each other. Even when people have previously been in conflict, there is usually the possibility of re-establishing an effective working relationship. As well as relief for all concerned, this can lead to renewed enthusiasm and creativity.
Creative
use of diverse skills
When
a team of talented specialists works together
effectively,
their creative possibilities are multiplied. Many research studies have
shown that depth and breadth of knowledge, plus diversity of talents
and professional skills, lead to improved team creativity. An
atmosphere of mutual professional respect is also an invaluable
investment in the future stability and success of your business.
How Wishful Thinking can help
I use coaching and training to facilitate dynamic team creativity. It often only takes a small change in behaviour to improve or even transform a working relationship. But when we're working under pressure it's hard to 'step back' from the situation and identify the best options for communicating and working together.
Coaching provides a confidential forum for discussing interpersonal issues and finding better ways to work together. I offer people a chance to 'stop the world and get off' to take a fresh look at the situation and their options.
Because I have experience of the artistic and business spheres, I can help creatives, managers and other workers achieve better mutual understanding and working relationships.
The best way to do this will depend on your particular company and the individuals involved. The options include:
Coaching
for Creatives
Addressing
communication and collaboration strategies as well as creative thinking
and execution
Coaching
and Training for Managers
Helping
managers facilitate better communication and collaboration - with team
members, colleagues, clients and business partners
Bespoke
programmes
Bespoke
coaching and/or training programmes that can involve any of your team
members
Request a free consultation
I offer a free consultation service to assess your company's needs and discuss how Wishful Thinking can help you reach your creative and commercial goals.
Receive
free articles about creative collaboration
Below is a selection of posts about collaboration and team creativity from the Wishful Thinking blog. Subscribe to the blog via RSS or e-mail and receive future updates FREE.
Creativity Beyond the Creatives
The Thinkubator and Other Creative Environments
Phone/Fax: +44 20 8691 2475 E-mail
Follow my research:
Wishful Thinking is a coaching consultancy for creative professionals and the Creative Industries.
Based in London, Mark McGuinness works with individuals and companies across a wide range of media - including design, film, literature, advertising, music, acting, computer games, architecture, marketing, photography, fashion, TV and radio.
As a published poet with a track record of coaching and training for large and small organisations, I offer a unique blend of creative and business expertise. In addition to my coaching experience and professional qualifications I am nearing the end of a part-time MA in Creative and Media Enterprises at the University of Warwick.
Please ask if you'd like to discuss how I can help you realise your creative and commercial goals.