It takes a team to raise a project
Join me in unravelling the secrets of team synergy: skills refinement, a shared vision, role clarity, ongoing progress, and empowering individuals to enhance the collective vision.
In addition to content, coaching, community and culture work as Unashamedly Creative, I recently became the Operations Manager at Eaves Content, serving the Illawarra region's architecture, design, and building industry. The idea is so fresh, you can smell the paint, but already the promise of what is coming is quite beautiful.
But it has got me thinking a lot about what it takes to raise a project and the qualities that make an effective team.
In my 20s, I had naïve ideas about the creative process. When I reflect on it honestly, my ego was at the forefront of most of my thinking. The entire rockstar, lead singer syndrome, along with the yearning for prominence, fame, and the urge to make a memorable impression posed a problem. I did not limit the impact to me alone; it extended to others as well.
I was a chronic people-pleaser with eye shine for the spotlight. It took me a while to realise that leadership was not without flaws - bosses could sometimes be unpleasant, although they ideally shouldn't be. I also learned that guidelines and empowering others were more effective than rigid rules. And that creativity wasn't really sparked by a mindset focused on witnessing how people create or evaluating their work before it's ready.
In short, it took me a while to realise work can deceive us into seeking a certainty that may not truly exist. Process is great. Control is fleeting. But it's the people that matter.
How to create a team
What makes working teams successful and enjoyable rather than a hard grind or overly political and cut-throat, even when the pressure is on?
I am learning, but it looks very much like:
· Feeling safe enough to fail but inspired enough to prove you're happy to be there
· Trusting expertise with workable boundaries and leadership faith in decision-making
· Time and acceptance of experimenting with a healthy dose of autonomy in the mix
· Recognising that guidelines and culture work better than rules and restriction
· Letting the work speak for itself – and giving customers (not politics) the ultimate say
· Leaving time to hone skills so you can focus on great attitudes
· A goal and message that everyone can believe in, celebrate, advance, and make their own
· Role clarity for autonomy and ownership
· The ability to make progress every week, even when things don't go according to plan
· Allowing workers to find their own connection with the work to enhance and advance the vision instead of trying to control all the outcomes
Raising each other up to raise the project
When I work on a project, I often ask myself:
· Are we putting the project and customer first?
· Am I helping my colleagues connect with the work properly?
· What can I do to improve my work each week?
· What can I learn from this process, interaction, and other person?
· Are we producing quality work or just going through the motions?
In a busy world, thinking about teams can seem like a luxury. But reflecting on who, what, and why we're connected helps combat isolation and self-doubt. It's also what makes grand projects. Don't you agree?
If you want to catch up with my work
International Festival of Death and Dying. Jessica Harkins and I are at it again at the International Festival of Death and Dying – and we're tackling how to flip the script on death when things don't go according to plan. Festival runs from Nov 17th to 20th.
Illawarra Festival of Design and Architecture. Love your interiors, architecture or DIY renovations? Join Penny Keogh and I at the Illawarra Festival of Design and Architecture on Nov 25th. There are bicycle tours, house tours and hot panel discussions!
Need to find freelance talent without big fees or weird headaches? Through my work with the Freelance Jungle, I can introduce you to Australian and New Zealand freelancers for your next project. Let's talk.
And if you’re in the Illawarra (or Southern Sydney, Shoalhaven or Southern Highlands) and you’re looking for some innovative approach to marketing and community outreach in the architecture, interiors and building space, stay close to Eaves Content Agency