As I’ve served and lead in various capacities in the local church and para-church setting, I’ve come to realize something that we all probably know: creatives are simply different. In fact, I would argue that this is what makes them so gifted, passionate and valuable.
I’m somewhat new to leading people that I would label with this term but I am always looking for ways to encourage, invest and appreciate those that I led, especially because all of them are in a volunteer capacity. As I recently started working with college students, part of my role is to lead the creative team of our campus ministry and I want to improve in many areas, but this being one of priority.
Here’s where you come in. I’d love to pick your brain and turn the comment section into a discussion on this idea of caring well for creative types. So, whether you serve on a creative team or informally supply the youth pastor at your church with graphics or even work for a graphic design studio, tell us about your experience in this area!
This is what we currently do. In addition to random notes and Facebook messages (which are probably too sporadic, if I’m being honest), my wife and I currently host an appreciation party at the end of each semester for those on the team. Last semester, we planned it on May the 4th, which led itself to eating lots of pizza while watching Star Wars Episodes 4-6. It was fun, pretty crazy (it lasted all night) and it had nothing to do with projects or deadlines (my favorite part).
So, if you don’t mind taking a minute, I’d love to hear your answers to the following questions:
- What has been the most affirming thing someone has done for you to show appreciation for your work?
- How do you regularly express appreciation to those on your creative team?
- What is one thing that was intended to encourage you but actually backfired and didn’t work at all?
Andy says
What has been the most affirming thing someone has done for you to show appreciation for your work?
Noticed the details and the long hours. They commented on how nice my work was but also why it was nice. (That picture is pretty vs. I like how you make the subject pop with your use of bokeh)
How do you regularly express appreciation to those on your creative team?
I thank them for what they do specifically by name (Thanks for helping vs. Thanks Gerri for providing the content and the theological background of Advent for the handouts)
What is one thing that was intended to encourage you but actually backfired and didn’t work at all? “Man those pictures/graphics/movies look great! You must have an awesome camera/computer/equipment! (The tool isn’t the creative.)
Blane Young says
Thank you for sharing from your personal experience!
I like the theme that seems to run through your comments: being personal and specific with affirmation. It is a great reminder for all of us to improve how we lead by making it all about people.
Dustin W. Stout says
I agree with Andy. I would add this:
The greatest appreciation you can show to a creative person is to take your hands off of what they’re good at and give them as much creative liberty as they want.
Too often I see creative people destroyed by a micro-managing leader who thinks they know what is best for creative direction. The best thing you can do is say, “I trust you to come up with something awesome”.
Jonathan Blundell says
I agree with Dustin’s thoughts.
Having been in a fairly “rule regulated environment” previously where there was very little wiggle room for creative thinking and now moving into a fairly creative environment where we’re able to do much more on our own creatively has made a world of difference.
Also after a huge project was recently completed our boss gave us a day of R&R by taking us on a regular work day to several local art museums to give us a chance to be rejuvenated and inspired by other artists.