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Are Creative Directors rich?
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Are Creative Directors rich?
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Coach
I prefer someone who is honest and blunt, rather than someone who says ‘Keep looking there’s something in there’ and lets me work on an idea that will never get anywhere.
Prefer blunt, they don’t have to be rude per say but it saves you from wasting time in the end
It’s not an either/or of being too wishsy-washy to help move the work forward vs. being blunt to the point of rudeness.
Positive reinforcement has shown to be more motivating than negative reinforcement.
Going out of your way to tell me that my idea sucks (as opposed to just focusing on a different idea - I’ll get the message!) is just going to make me resent you.
From my experience, the honest, straightforward, blunt was the only style I grew up with. People came in to the industry with the understanding that your work will be shat on and rejected multiple times but it was never to be taken personally. It’s not rude although some people might perceive it that way. But yeah, you could be nicer about it because when I’ve directed someone I’ve seen if you’re harsh some people stop being courageous and start doing safe work. You’re not gonna like the answer but it’s basically “depends” know the person and directed them the way they’re motivated the best. How do you know how they’re motivated? You gotta find out by either trying or speaking to other creative leaders in your place they’ve worked with.
Hard on the work, not the people.
Straightforward is great but I think there's a way to do it. I feel like a lot of people in power think they can say anything they want. I'm not okay with that. There's always a way to say even the harshest things with grace
Sometimes timing sucks and you need to walk away from what’s not working/focus on what is asap. But I at least try to unpack what my team was after before chucking a concept (even if I’m pretty sure it’s not a winner). “How do you think this answers the brief” can go a long way toward understanding their thought process and having a dialogue about the pros and pitfalls of an idea. I offer constructive feedback on everything, even if the ultimate decision is to focus on refining the best of what’s presented.
Have worked with CCOs who were straight forward w/o being rude. The same people also made my work so much better right in front of my eyes in the same room. God I miss that CCO.
Coach
Did you come up with ideas as an account director?