How to manage creative people

By Rachel Segal Hamilton IdeasTap 31/01/13

Whether you’re editing a webzine or producing a performance, how you mange your team is key to your project’s success. Here are some helpful pointers…

Communicate what needs doing

You can’t assume everyone’s mind works in precisely the same way as yours. When delegating tasks, it’s your responsibility to make sure everyone understands what you require of them. To this end, Jane Duru, Commissioning Editor for World Travel Guide, recommends you give a clear and comprehensive brief and, in the case of written work, a style guide, to preempt any problems. That way, “If something’s missing, you can point to the brief and say, ‘You haven’t quite got this’ or, ‘This information is missing’.” Emma Mapp, co-founder of London Photo Festival, makes a point of always saying, “Have you got any questions?” after she has issued instructions.

Be open to new ideas

“Involve people in the process and make them know their opinion is valued,” says Live Art Development Agency Company Manager and freelance producer Aaron Wright. Just because you’re leading the project doesn’t mean you’re always right. Sometimes others will come up with new and better ways of doing things. Don’t dismiss these offhand. Emma again: “Talking from an exhibition point of view, if someone’s done something you’re not sure is working, leave it and then look at it in an hour, or the next day if time allows, because sometimes when you’re so busy it’s hard to be objective.”

Give feedback

“Praise is important so tell people when they’ve done a good job”, says Emma. Aaron agrees, stressing that in order to get people motivated and on board with your creative vision you should, “Make sure they know they’re appreciated.” That said, there will be moments when their work isn’t quite up to scratch. Deploy what is known as the “shit sandwich” – tell the person one good thing about their work, followed by your (constructive) criticism about how it could be improved, and then another positive comment. That way the negative stuff – the “shit” – is easier to swallow.

Think big picture

Certain details are important: a boom in shot, bad spelling in an article or a mislabeled artwork in a show. But beware of micromanaging. Hanging over people’s shoulders checking every itty bitty thing they do makes them feel edgy and doesn’t necessarily bring out the best in them. Keep thinking about what’s most important for the project and be realistic. As Emma points out, “Sometimes you have to think ‘Who cares?’ because you have more important things to worry about.”

Looking at the big picture also means taking control and making difficult decisions when needed. “Use your intuition”, says Emma. “If someone’s mucking about and your intuition says it isn’t going to work, nip it in the bud otherwise it’s going to irritate you. Be professional about it but be upfront.”

Get involved

“Never ask anyone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself,” says Aaron. Standing around ordering people to make you tea and clean up the stage, set or office is just not cool. “Don’t be precious and never be afraid to muck in no matter what your position. People will like you much more for it.”

Do you have experience of managing people on creative projects? What do you find works well? Leave a comment below.

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