The Scenario
You’re deep into a much-anticipated creative project, with the deadline approaching and pressure increasing. Instead of progressing smoothly, your team is tangled in miscommunications, conflicting ideas, and last-minute changes. The excitement that once drove your project has now turned into frustration and stress. This scenario is relatable for most of us; we’ve all experienced this at some point. But this is not where we want to be…
Where We Want to Be
Imagine an orchestra where everyone plays their part in perfect harmony, rhythm, and execution, while we still hear the unique and personal sound of each section. This is how we’d like creative collaboration to be: hassle-free, in sync, and well-tuned. Communication flows effortlessly, everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, and ideas are freely shared and valued. Is it possible to achieve? Of course! So how can we get there? First, we need to understand what’s preventing us from reaching that point in order to solve the issue.
What’s Stopping Us from Getting There?
Humans are complex beings; we all come from different backgrounds with different experiences that shape who we are. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that this can be the very reason why some projects don’t seem to work out as we thought they would. It’s not always someone’s fault—it’s just how life is. This is something we cannot change. However, there are several key aspects of collaboration that we do have control over, and these will often determine the outcome.
Take Control
Now that we understand the obstacles, it’s time to focus on what we can actually influence. There are specific areas within our control that can dramatically shift the outcome of any creative collaboration. These areas are where we can truly make a difference and steer the project toward success.
Planning
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
The backbone of any successful project lies in thorough planning. Without it, even the best ideas can fall apart. Setting clear objectives, defining roles, and establishing a timeline are crucial steps. Everyone needs to know the destination and how to get there. By anticipating challenges and having contingency plans in place, you create a roadmap that guides the team, even when things get tough.
Communication
“The words we choose can either be bridges or walls.”
By mastering communication, you can avoid nearly all obstacles along the way. Especially during pre-production, explore all angles and anticipate any questions that might arise from the production team. Address those concerns before they come up. For example, if you know exactly what your brand needs or wants, make sure to provide crystal clear briefs and guidelines. Don’t leave the creatives in a fog of vague ‘key words’ unless you want them to have full creative freedom (which often works best). Make sure you fully understand their process and show respect for it. This way, their willingness to ensure you get exactly what you want will increase. Also, if you feel unsure about something, ask! Don’t be quick to draw conclusions about anything. Give the creatives time and a fair chance to help you, even if their approach isn’t exactly what you expected. Does it matter if the outcome is the same?
Empathy
“Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
Few things in today’s world are as rare as empathy, yet it’s one of the most important values a person can have. If you’re the project manager, please remind yourself of the huge amount of work and tedious tasks the production team handles to make the project a success. Ask yourself, is there any way I can ease their workload or simplify things for them? Care for them. By doing so, you will not only have happy co-creatives but also create an atmosphere where creativity thrives.
Patience
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Trust the process. The moment you start to doubt others or the project itself, try to remember that you’ve been here multiple times before. Calm down, keep your head up, and only engage with other creatives if it’s absolutely necessary; otherwise, let them cook!
Conclusion
Like stated in the beginning, sometimes projects just don't work out because we're imperfect humans. However, by honing in on planning, communication, empathy, and patience, you take control of the factors that make a big difference. Good luck with your project!
Read more
