If you know just how valuable creatives are to the media production pipeline, you know how important it is to motivate them. But understanding the importance of an inspired creative team is one thing; actualizing this concept consistently is another.

In an industry where pace defines success, we can't afford going back to the same old well of incentives, bonuses, and discounts, then be surprised that nothing's really changing when it comes to your creatives' motivation. If you want to really start seeing some change, you need to understand the unique psyche of creatives—only then can you unlock your creative team's full potential.So, let's dive deeper and explore their mindset.

What Makes Creatives Different

To motivate individuals, we must first grasp their desires. Creatives, though diverse, possess unique psychological attributes that differentiate them from other workers.

For most creatives, creation is more a lifestyle than a job. Consequently, external motivators tend to be less influential for them, as their innate passion already fuels their work.

Unlike, say, a middle manager in some big multinational, creatives don't just clock out of their job description at the end of the day. For them, creativity isn't something that happens just when called to do it—it's a way of life and expression.

Your creative team faces a distinct challenge: they must reconcile their vision with market realities and commercial pressures. Tasked with delivering work that aligns with business or client objectives, they must also honor their creative integrity. This dichotomy demands a unique approach to motivation.

Perfectionism

Creatives harbor a relentless pursuit for excellence. Their self-imposed standards often appear unreachable, leading to a cycle of endless improvement. This can result in impressive outcomes in a flexible environment, but may also evoke strain under stringent deadlines.

Comfort in fluX

Creatives thrive in ambiguity, unconfined by concrete career trajectories. With a penchant for novel projects and idea exploration, their allegiance may wane if their work lacks challenge.

Freedom as a value in and of itself

Freedom stands paramount for creatives, and not merely in terms of flexible schedules or diversified ideas. It's about experiencing true liberation in their creations. Highlighting this aspect can effectively motivate them and ensure long-term engagement.
The freedom to daydream, try new things, even fail can be so liberating for creatives, resulting in breakthroughs and innovations that can't be achieved otherwise. Business owners should take the time to understand this unique mentality and provide support during a creative's experimentation phase.

How to Motivate Creatives

Now that we understand how creatives think differently, let's take a look at some specific tips on how to best motivate them to get the best results for your company.

Ask them

To effectively motivate creatives, initiate dialogues about their preferred work settings, rewarding aspects, and major hurdles. This approach allows you to tailor your strategies for motivating them around their individual needs instead of guessing—which, unless you’re a creative person yourself, you’re liable to get wrong.

Foster exploration and risk-taking

Enable creatives to broaden their horizons and innovate by granting them autonomous space. Permit them to make errors in their quest for novelty, cultivating an atmosphere that promotes strategic risk-taking.

Nothing stifles creativity more than constantly having to answer to superiors for every decision. Let them take the lead and develop their own unique ideas!

Offer creative perks

Find ways to reward creatives with tangible benefits in addition to their salary. For instance, skip the same old classic business books for Christmas and consider art supply vouchers, concert tickets, or other eclectic choices that stimulate their creativity.

Provide clear direction

Clearly defined roles and expectations keep creatives motivated.

It's all too easy for most creatives to put their head down and do their work without thinking about the bigger picture. Continually link their work to its larger purpose to reinforce its significance. That way, they’ll see a direct connection between their efforts and the company's success.

Equip your creatives for success

Quality tools and materials stimulate creative minds. Allocate enough resources for high-end equipment, software, and supplies. Consider an undisturbed, productive workspace that caters to the needs of your creatives, whether it's a soundproof room for audio production or specialized lighting for video shoots.

It's not all about cracking the whip and getting frustrated when your creative team doesn't hit their deadlines—that's the worst way to motivate anyone.

Understanding creatives requires cultivating an environment fostering their optimal performance. Recognize the necessary spaces enabling their creativity, provide them, and reward their achievements. Proper understanding and acknowledgment significantly boost creative motivation, enhancing their efficiency.

So, take the time to get to know your team. Insights into their way of thinking and the right approach are all you need. Discover what suits your team best and cultivate a productive atmosphere where motivation thrives!

Contributor post by: Regi Publico

Psychology of Motivating Media Creatives