8. Understand the Difference Between Organizational Structure and Communication Structure – This is a huge issue for me. Every organization needs an organizational structure. Who reports to who matters, and hierarchy is important. But when it comes to communication, I recommend you throw the organizational structure out the window. Your creative team should be able to call anyone to ask questions and discuss ideas. Don’t force them to communicate through supervisors, managers, or anyone else. Create a free-flowing communications system, and the ideas will grow.
9. Walk The Factory Floor – Leadership expert John Maxwell recommends that leaders “walk the factory floor” and meet every employee. Develop a personal relationship with employees at all levels – especially when it comes to your creative team. Pixar and Disney Animation President Ed Catmull takes that seriously – even when it comes to giving bonuses. When they produce a box-office success, they share the profits with the team that produced it – which often numbers more than 100 people. But Ed doesn’t just mail or direct deposit the check and send a nice note. Ed takes the time to either go to each team member personally or invite them to his office individually and hand them the check – and tell them how much their work is appreciated.
10. Give Them Credit – Finally, a great creative culture allows everyone to be noticed for their accomplishments. Never take credit for your team’s work, and always give them the honor they’re due. You’ll find that when you protect your creative team and allow them to get the glory for their work, they’ll follow you into a fire.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
