Is Managing Creatives really different than Managing Others?
Is Managing Creatives really different than Managing Others?
November 6, 2009 by Taylor Studios
There are endless articles, books and seminars on managing creatives. I am often asked how a business person like me handles managing artists. I even find myself using that as an excuse when I get frustrated with a people-management issue. And sure, left brainers are different than right brainers, and country people are different than urban people and Gen Y is different than the Baby Boomers and … I think artists or creatives are given an out with their stereotypes when they are disruptive. I think it is poor management when creatives are not held accountable like others. Artists are not disruptive at Taylor Studios; they are just people like everyone else. If anything we have had a management problem more than a people problem in the past.
I think the best way to manage creatives is to have a good management system and good managers in the first place. The famous book Good to Great discusses being rigorous, not ruthless in managing people. It discusses applying exacting standards at all times and at all levels. It says, “the moment you feel the need to tightly manage someone, you’ve made a hiring mistake. The only way to deliver to the people who are achieving is to not burden them with the people who are not achieving.” I think the toughest thing is to find a manager and management team that will actually hold their staff accountable. We do have this management team at Taylor Studios. Therefore, many might find it a tough place to work, others will like these high standards and will excel with their fellow creatives because of it.
Taylor Studios is a process oriented company. We believe process is key to success for us and our clients. Any group of people will have difficulty with changing the way something is done, not just artists. Here, often once the process has become a habit, everyone is happier. Yes, artists like parameters, structure and objectives.
Maybe the real question is, are you a good manager or leader? Or do you just want to be liked more than you want to lead, do you avoid confrontation, do you spell out clear expectations, do you lead by example, do you lead with good questions, etc. Here’s a simple rule at Taylor Studios, don’t be late. We find lateness to be disrespectful to others and plain irresponsible. If there is a pattern of lateness you will be fired. Have you held others accountable for being late?
Posted by: Betty