Raising Creative Teams Practical Leadership for an Emotional Business

There are a lot of books out there on how to be a creative professional. And a lot of schools where you can learn to be a creative professional. But let’s say you find success on your chosen path, and they put you in charge of other creative professionals. Nobody tells you what to do then.

Now they do.

This book is a step-by-step guide to leading creative teams. You’ll learn what a creative leader’s job is (helping your team be more successful) and what it’s not (telling people what to change about their work). How to have one-to-ones. What a one-to-one is in the first place. How to build creative culture. How to hire the right people. How to give feedback in a way that teams will listen. How to sell work. How to establish your creative vision. And most importantly, how to say thank you.

What You Will Learn

How to build relationships through one-to-ones

How to create opportunities for team members to be successful

How to build a culture that supports creativity

How to build and manage teams

How to give creative feedback

How to sell work

How to establish your creative vision and build your personal brand

Who This Book is For

New and aspiring leaders in creative fields such as advertising, design, production, and marketing, as well as experienced leaders looking to improve their skills.

Chapter 1: Create Gratitude: Say Thank You (and mean it).- Chapter 2: Create Transparency: What You Can Expect from This Book.- Chapter 3: Create Clarity: What Exactly Does a Creative Leader Do?.- Chapter 4:  Create Foundations: How to Have One-To-Ones.- Chapter 5: Create Culture: How to Let Your Team Thrive.- Chapter 6: Create Opportunity: How to Build Your Team.- Chapter 7: Create Creative: How to Give Feedback and Direction.- Chapter 8: Create Success: How to Sell Work (Or: The Myth of the Dog and Pony Show).- Chapter 9: Create Gratitude (Part 2): How to Say Thank You.- Chapter 10: Create Change: Your Creative Vision and Your Personal Brand.- Chapter 11: Create Connections: A Little Help from My Friends.- Chapter 12: Create Understanding: Final Exam.- Chapter 13: Create Gratitude (Part 3): Thank You.

Kevin Frank has been a creative for nearly 30 years, and leading creative teams for the last 15 years. Most recently, he was Executive Creative Director of LinkedIn, where his team was named Advertising Age In-House Agency of the Year and he was named to Campaign’s 40 over 40 list. Prior to LinkedIn, he was a Creative Director at Apple, and held positions in agencies including the first copywriter at Venables Bell + Partners. His work has been recognized by every major industry awards show including Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, Communication Arts, and the Effies.

Kevin envisions a creative community where everyone understands that the key to making great work is great leadership. And while Kevin has shared his approach to leading creative teams in articles, posts, podcasts, and on stage, this is his first attempt at writing a book. So please cut him some slack even if it’s not quite The Brothers Karamazov. He hopes you like it and find it helpful.