Unleashing Creativity: The Case for Project Pods in Marketing, By hrmny’s Ayham Homsi
Why do we cling to job descriptions as if they’re the last word in defining our capabilities? In the realm of creative marketing, it’s high time we shift our focus from rigid roles to the boundless potential of ideas and innovation.
I’ve seen firsthand how the industry’s evolution has rendered traditional job boundaries not just obsolete but counterproductive. The most electrifying concepts often originate from those whose roles were never meant to be creative. It’s proof that when it comes to creativity, job titles should be suggestive, not restrictive.
Imagine a team brimming with talent, yet constrained by the narrow definitions of their job descriptions. It’s like owning a masterpiece but hiding it in the attic. This is where the concept of project pods comes into play – a system where the hierarchy is flattened, and ideas reign supreme.
Skeptics may argue that this approach sounds chaotic. But remember, creativity thrives on navigating through chaos and transforming it into something remarkable.
For a successful transition to project pods, three elements are vital:
- An adaptable team that’s open to refining all ideas, even imperfect ones.
- A flexible structure with strategic oversight to guide creative endeavors.
- A culture of candid feedback that prioritizes improvement over ego.
Implement these within your project pods, ensuring:
- Everyone is aligned on the goals.
- The briefs are thorough and inspiring.
- The team operates like an autonomous unit, fostering a sense of ownership.
This method shines in proactive projects, where the absence of tight deadlines allows for creative risks and iterative refinement.
Let me give you a real world example – An account executive at hrmny is the subject here. While interacting with him daily, I noticed something interesting about him – his passion for informative YouTube content and music. It was like uncovering buried treasure in a sea of cubicles. So, we did something a little out of the box. We formed an internal content team, with him leading the charge. Here’s the beauty: we had no deadlines, no pressure cooker of productivity. Him and his team had the luxury of time to stumble and pick themselves back up. And fail they did, until they found their footing. With each setback, he sharpened his skills, crafting detailed first-person scripts that captured hearts and minds. Before we knew it, our phones were buzzing with clients demanding content just like his. The lesson? He is more than an account executive; he’s a content virtuoso, a creative dynamo.
Embrace the mindset that success and failure are two sides of the same coin. By experimenting with various team dynamics, you’ll discover effective strategies and untapped talents. Each attempt, successful or not, is a learning opportunity that can lead to the discovery of hidden gems within your team – like a graphic designer with a knack for copywriting, or a junior executive with strategic prowess.
We’ve been fixated on the “how” for so long that we’ve lost sight of the “why.” Our preoccupation with process over purpose has stifled creativity. It’s time to change the narrative, from enforcing job descriptions to empowering innovation.
Let’s break down the walls of hierarchy and kindle the creative spirit in every team member. Let’s make work an exhilarating journey, not a monotonous task. Who’s with me in this endeavor to craft the extraordinary, one project pod at a time?