Just like staying on track with the gym, motivating your team of designers requires a focused effort in order to achieve your goals and advance to the next level. Some may question the need to motivate a team in the first place, seeking instead to simply “get the job done.” However, motivating your team and maintaining that motivation throughout further projects, can have a huge impact on not just the quality of the work produced, but ultimately the success of the company and its reputation in the outside world.
Managing a team can have its challenges, as naturally each member of your team will have a different perspective, personality, and even a different skill set. This should be seen as positive, however, as each person can bring something completely different and unique to the table, which within a creative industry can only be seen as a positive aspect.
Whilst the key to achieving success within this method is to identify what is most appropriate in terms of the brief, it’s important that everyone has been given the chance to play their part within producing the final outcome, even if that role may involve giving critique and feedback, as opposed to coming up with the big shiny creative solution, depending on the particular project.
Remember though that each team member you are responsible for is not simply another number on the payroll, but a human being – who like all of us requires a sense of purpose and balance both in and outside of work, in order to maximize ability and productivity.
“Virtually all acts of greatness are the work of an ensemble” – Keith Yamashita Founder SYPartners
Work-Life Balance is Important
Maintaining that balance is the key, in order to avoid excessive stress which inevitably inhibits a person’s ability to perform and come up with creative solutions to a problem, let alone avoiding tensions and problems in the workplace later down the track. Time in as well as away from the studio is important, for nurturing and regenerating the creative juices, as well as for individual wellbeing.
Overloading your team and not allowing for adequate rest periods will only seek to demotivate your team over time. For example, consider carefully the time at which you send emails and other correspondence, especially if it’s outside studio hours. It may seem like a minor detail on paper, but overlooking this in the long term can have an impact on the morale of your team, and could lead to dissatisfaction within the workplace if they feel their time is not being respected.
So, how can you promote balance and well-being amongst your team during work hours?
Whilst we are working professionals with clients to please and deadlines to achieve, we are also creative people. It’s important to keep your studio space fresh, organized and ultimately a place where ideas will flourish. For example, consider how you utilize your wall space, and keep on top of the organization. You should also prioritize the ergonomics of desk areas to ensure your team is comfortable when sitting for long periods. Aside from doing this for health and safety reasons, having sub-standard working conditions is one sure-fire way to reduce morale and, therefore, productivity within your team.
“Without a good culture, a studio is nothing but a factory that will rarely produce anything but mediocre work” – Jason Little, Creative Director M&C Saatchi
Give Some Leisure Time
Consider the recreational space available for your team. It’s important that your team has a space where they can recharge their batteries before getting back to business. Whilst the individual aesthetics may be down to personal choice, overall there should be a sense that space they have to rest in differs to that where they produce work. In order to promote mental wellbeing, they need a space where they can take a break from perplexing briefs and client demands.
Quite simply your studio needs to be a place where people want to work, figuratively and literally. It needs to be a place where everyone can be heard and can express their creativity but also be a place that challenges them to think big and expand on ideas. Creative people not only need to feel motivated in the space that they work in, but also appreciated and encouraged. Ensuring this will keep your team more engaged, productive and loyal toward the company and ultimately will ensure greater results.
Communication is Key
Talk to your team members regularly to discuss their progress within the company. It’s important to communicate feedback effectively with your team, but also for you to be someone who can be communicated effectively with – should any issues or suggestions arise from your team.
Whilst you may be in-charge of said team, remember there wouldn’t be a team in the first place without those who are actually a part of it. Recognizing this early on and ensuring each individual brings a sense of purpose and value to the table, can have a huge impact in productivity and ultimately morale.
Recognize Efforts
Outside of client work, field trips or team building activities can be a great way to build morale, and, therefore, great working relationships. On a more professional level, why not invite members of your team to attend networking events and allow them to make an impact and show their passion and enthusiasm for what you do.
Finally, after delivering a successful project no matter how small, it’s a good idea have some kind of process in place which recognizes this, and allows for reflection and progression – even if it’s as simple as drinks after work or pizza on a Friday. These types of perks and group activities can not only boost morale after completing a project, but help maintains it within your next one too.
The real secret to keeping your graphic design team motivated is perhaps not such a secret after all. Your team needs to feel valued as creative individuals but equally as individuals too. The key is to listen, understand and, therefore, ensure growth and productivity. Allow for development but equally reflection, and remember at the end of the day we are all human after all – albeit creative ones.
There are many benefits of thanking, recognizing, and rewarding employees for their efforts in building a company— increased participation in building of a successful company, loyalty and longevity, increased productivity and a sense of belongingness.
Artwork Abode is committed to having a better workplace for its employees so our customers can get only the best services. Please share this article with your friends and colleagues by using the social media buttons. Don’t forget to leave a comment below about keeping your graphics team motivated.
– Artwork Abode
