How to Motivate Creative Teams During a Downturn
What's happening in the creative industry? Hiring has slowed and teams are shrinking even as demand for more sales and greater brand awareness grows. For creatives who are serving either as full-time employees or contractors, creative burnout and fatigue are rampant.
As we enter the end of 2024 and look to the near future of early 2025, many companies are advising their managers to do the best they can with what they have. Hiring for marketing and creative positions is not rebounding as fast as those of us in the industry would like.
As we navigate the uncertainties of future hiring of creative teams, my advice is to "love the one you're with." I've said this before, but it continues to be relevant and even truer as companies face employees who have become overburdened with the amount of work and deadlines.
Avoid The Next Great Resignation
A recent survey of nearly 4,000 creative leaders dropped a bombshell: a whopping 70% of them are thinking about their next career moves. While this comes as no surprise to those of us who have been watching the creative industry trends and listening to what people are saying about working conditions, stress, anxiety, and burnout, it is a wake-up call for hiring managers and team leaders.
If we are to continue to inspire creativity, innovation, and the kind of work that leads to business growth, we need to prioritize the well-being of our existing superstars. For some team leaders, nurturing employee well-being is almost second nature. These managers are tuned in and aware of the dangers of burnout. They advocate for their team members and adjust workloads to ensure that everyone is successful and that the team thrives.
Keva's Hot Tip: "As we navigate the uncertainties of future hiring of creative teams, my advice is to 'love the one you're with' and nurture your creative teams to encourage greater innovation and engagement."
For others, people management isn't their strong suit. They landed their leadership role because they were a stellar individual contributor. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just that it may be time to step back from the work and look at the teams who are performing the work to make sure they are engaged, satisfied, and well.
Whether you're a natural-born leader or someone who could use a bit of guidance on how to nurture your creative teams, I have a game plan that will help you weather this current storm.
Keva Dine's "Rock On" Game Plan for People Management
So, what's the game plan? It's simple but powerful: show your current team some serious love through effective management.
Here are four actionable steps to build a rockstar creative team and build a supportive work environment that fosters innovation:
One-on-One Meetings
Set up one-on-one meetings ASAP: Schedule some quality time with each team member to listen to their concerns, dreams, and brilliant ideas. This personal touch will help you pinpoint areas where you can offer support and guidance to keep them thriving. By taking the time to connect with each individual, you'll build trust, boost morale, and show them that their contributions are valued.
2. Leadership Strategy Sessions
Gather your leadership squad for a strategy pow-wow: Bring together leaders from across the marketing organization and brainstorm ways to support and engage your creative talent. Put your heads together to optimize resources, improve communication, and create a positive work culture that inspires greatness. Encourage open dialogue and be receptive to new ideas—other leaders' insights can be invaluable for creating a plan that works for everyone.
3. Cross-Department Collaboration
Cross-examine departments to spotlight and leverage key talents: Look beyond the boundaries of each department to find those hidden gems with unique skills and expertise. Encourage collaboration and resource sharing to unlock the full potential of your existing team. By fostering cross-departmental teamwork, you'll break down silos, spark fresh ideas, and create a more agile, adaptable organization.
4. Resource Sharing
Consider resource sharing: During a hiring freeze, it's crucial to make the most of what you've got. Explore opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and skill-sharing to ensure that your team can continue to deliver mind-blowing work, even with limited resources. Encourage your team members to learn from each other, share their knowledge, and develop new skills that can benefit the entire organization. 📚
Your Team is Only as Good as Its Individual Members
The stakes are high, folks. If we don't appreciate and support our key players during a hiring freeze, we risk team burnout (including our own) and potentially watching our projects and goals unravel. By taking proactive steps to engage and secure our teams, we can maintain cohesion, boost morale, and foster a culture of creativity and innovation that will take us to new heights.
So, let's not wait for a crisis to recognize the incredible talent within our ranks. Support them, engage with them, and most importantly, secure them. Your team's cohesion and morale are your greatest assets. Invest in them, and watch your creative endeavors soar!
Remember, as creative leaders, it's our responsibility to create an environment where our teams can thrive, even in the face of uncertainty. By focusing on the talent we already have, nurturing their creativity, and practicing effective management, we can build resilient creative teams that can tackle any challenge that comes our way.
Check out the Keva Dine Agency website for more details on how we can help you with your recruiting and retention strategies.
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