Don’t Just Be Creative, Be Professionally Creative

Sometimes being in Advertising, the fun side can seem the main point of it . You are making friends, creating ‘art’, and being part of a brainstorms and discussions to create something cool.

But ‘cool’, ‘fun’f, and ‘art’, isn’t what you are here for. You are here to create effective campaigns that increase market share, drive sales, win awards etc.

This means putting tough questions to colleagues, being inquisitive about briefs, constantly looking for ways to improve, and building client’s business through one own’s work.

Here are my tips to keeping things professional

1. Colleagues First, Friends Second.
Working close with people, naturally friendships strike up or enemies are created. This could have been due to a great working experience of a pitch or the build up of animosity on a BAU account. Whatever the case may be, never lose sight of what that person is.

That person has a role to deliver upon and it doesn’t matter how much you like or hate that person, if that person is fulfilling that role then everything else doesn’t matter. Don’t let personal matters and feeling intrude on a professional relationship.

2. Focus On Improvement , Not Just Socialising.
Going out with colleagues for meals and drinks is important to build that team culture and togetherness that is essential to creating harmony but it could also weaken a team. Too much bonding and socialising can create the false impression of friendship when professionalism should be the core of the team.

A professional team creates a team that is constantly striving to be better, unafraid to share one’s thoughts to better the work, and always looking to lead in both bad and good times.

From the Junior Designer to the Creative Director, professionalism is required to raise and maintain a high standard of work that isn’t built on personal preference.

3. Professionalism Sow Seeds Of Eternal Success, Not Just Relationships
Although finding the political secrets of being a success in each company might be important, it is essential to instil those values and standards that are successful in any company, team, or role.

Being constructively vocal, being work-focused, and even being self-driven are principles that will give you a leg up in any workplace.