{"id":51214,"date":"2020-05-01T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/?p=51214"},"modified":"2020-05-01T09:00:31","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T16:00:31","slug":"how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a client, have you ever struggled to get the results that you want when working with freelance creatives on a project? Learning how to communicate feedback in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. While everyone quarantines and works remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic \u2014 at least for now<\/a> \u2014 interactions are less formal and less frequent. But for all of the challenges of remote management<\/a>, giving meaningful feedback is a transferable skill.<\/p>\n

Set Yourself Up for Success<\/h3>\n

The first step to getting the results you want happens before you even engage with the freelancer. Consider whether someone you\u2019ve worked with before is a good fit for a particular project. Melissa Koehler, the owner of Kohesive Marketing, a Boston-based boutique marketing and communications firm, emphasizes that we \u201call have different styles, and are suitable to different kinds of work.\u201d The photographer who takes fantastic action shots might not do portraits well. Most experienced freelancers know what their skills are and where they may not be a good fit; less experienced creatives may not know this yet.<\/p>\n

A well-articulated brief or project assignment is critical. Koehler relates to the John Dewey quote, \u201cA problem well put is half solved.\u201d Share background information or context as well as a clear description of any strategy, marketing, or business goals. \u201cProvide a deeper understanding of who the audience is. Explain what the motivators are or the drivers that you\u2019re trying to appeal to with the work,\u201d she continues. The client needs to invest the appropriate amount of time at the start to achieve the results they seek. That said, she quips, it\u2019s called a brief for a reason.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the project may shift midstream or be more iterative. Remember to clearly communicate any new goals or shifts in approach to the freelancer.<\/p>\n

Understand Your Role<\/h3>\n

In the essential management book, Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss without Losing your Humanity<\/em><\/a>, Kim Malone Scott shares lessons learned from leading teams at places like Apple and Google. She points out that in the tech industry, talent can easily find a new gig if they don\u2019t like the organizational culture. These large companies invest significant resources in understanding what makes great management tick.<\/p>\n

Scott stresses that the role of a leader is to guide people to achieve results. It\u2019s not a directive approach and should be resilient enough to support different approaches and opinions. Creating a culture or relationship of effective feedback means being flexible and able to tolerate criticism and open debate. Understood another way, think of how your role is to support the freelancer to succeed.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, Koehler observes, \u201cclients focus on what they think the solution should be.\u201d You are hiring a creative with expertise in copywriting or art direction for a particular purpose. This also means listening deeply to why they make the choices they make.<\/p>\n

Give the Right Feedback<\/h3>\n

\u201cBe as specific and thorough with praise as with criticism,\u201d Scott explains. \u201cGo deep into the details.\u201d The tendency to rush and spurt out a compliment like \u201cgood work\u201d or a critique such as \u201cI don\u2019t like this,\u201d is meaningless, she argues. Neither explains why something works or doesn\u2019t work. This is a time to over-communicate and make sure that you are understood.<\/p>\n

Koehler stresses that it\u2019s important to \u201cgive feedback on the outcome, not a prescriptive solution to a problem.\u201d Explain how and why a work product is not reaching a specific objective. Persuasion is not merely rational, but emotional. Consider what doesn\u2019t feel right about the outcome and why.<\/p>\n

Feedback must be given with care and compassion to be effective. Deferring to \u201cit\u2019s just business\u201d avoids taking the time to understand the problem that is being addressed and why you are responding in a particular way. For the person on the receiving end, curt feedback can feel personal, and for good reason. The reality, Scott points out, is that: \u201cMost of us pour more time and energy into our work than anything else in our lives. Work is a part of who we are, and so it is personal.\u201d Recognize that, and give feedback accordingly.<\/p>\n

Be mindful that it might be \u201chard coming into an established team,\u201d Koehler continues. There are many dynamics at play for creatives. There’s the client\/freelancer relationship and the insider\/outsider role. Have an awareness of the communication shortcuts that you have with the team you see every day, and explain things thoroughly to a new person.<\/p>\n

While working remotely, it\u2019s necessary to provide feedback in different formats. Be aware of what works best for the creative you are working with. An email or Slack may suffice, but if you\u2019re providing detailed feedback, it\u2019s probably best to do so over the phone or by video conference and then recap in an email summary.<\/p>\n

Like any relationship, if you\u2019re not getting the results that you want, you have a role in that. Clients \u2014 and creatives \u2014 need to take responsibility for their part in creating a successful partnership on a project. Through effective communication, they’ll reach the desired outcome.<\/p>\n

\n

About the author.<\/strong>
\nJess Powers writes about marketing, food, and wellness. She has experience in nonprofit communications and emergency management. Follow her @foodandfury.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As a client, have you ever struggled to get the results that you want when working with freelance creatives on a project? Learning how to communicate feedback in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. While everyone quarantines and works remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic \u2014 at least for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":51216,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-employer-insights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives | Creative Circle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Creative Circle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CreativeCircleStaffing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-05-01T16:00:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"806\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Samantha Slezak\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Creative_Circle\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Creative_Circle\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Samantha Slezak\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/\",\"name\":\"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives | Creative Circle\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-05-01T16:00:31+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1eb0026e3648f1cedddf7a36755e6872\"},\"description\":\"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg\",\"width\":806,\"height\":900},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/\",\"name\":\"Creative Circle\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1eb0026e3648f1cedddf7a36755e6872\",\"name\":\"Samantha Slezak\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2ce891852d68712fe1c0c6b5bce9b1da49af86493cac0781243f00b4d7efa177?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2ce891852d68712fe1c0c6b5bce9b1da49af86493cac0781243f00b4d7efa177?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Samantha Slezak\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/author\/sslezak\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives | Creative Circle","description":"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives","og_description":"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/","og_site_name":"Creative Circle","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CreativeCircleStaffing","article_published_time":"2020-05-01T16:00:31+00:00","og_image":[{"width":806,"height":900,"url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Samantha Slezak","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@Creative_Circle","twitter_site":"@Creative_Circle","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Samantha Slezak","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/","url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/","name":"How to Give Meaningful Feedback to Creatives | Creative Circle","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg","datePublished":"2020-05-01T16:00:31+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1eb0026e3648f1cedddf7a36755e6872"},"description":"Learning how to communicate meaningful feedback to a creative in a way that has an impact is an especially useful skill right now. Follow these tips.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/how-to-give-meaningful-feedback-to-creatives.jpg","width":806,"height":900},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/","name":"Creative Circle","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/1eb0026e3648f1cedddf7a36755e6872","name":"Samantha Slezak","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2ce891852d68712fe1c0c6b5bce9b1da49af86493cac0781243f00b4d7efa177?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2ce891852d68712fe1c0c6b5bce9b1da49af86493cac0781243f00b4d7efa177?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Samantha Slezak"},"url":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/blog\/author\/sslezak\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51214"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51214\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.creativecircle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}