REALITY CHECK

We all know masterpieces rarely happen without some creative risk-taking, but how empowered do creative teams feel when it comes to breaking the mold? The Creative Group and AIGA

surveyed more than 750 creative professionals nationwide, and the results may surprise you.

COMPANIES MAY THINK THEY’RE PUSHING THE ENVELOPE, BUT THEIR EMPLOYEES DISAGREE

COMPANIES AREN’T TAKING ENOUGH RISKS

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR IN-HOUSE TEAM WHEN IT COMES TO CREATIVE RISK-TAKING WITH PROJECTS?

1% Too many risks are taken that result in a negative outcome

28% We take the right amount of risks

45% We do some risk-taking, but not enough

26% We play it much too safe

The Creative Group survey of more than 750 in-house AIGA members nationwide.

EMPLOYEES DON’T FEEL TOO EMPOWERED

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR JOB, HOW EMPOWERED BY YOUR MANAGER DO YOU FEEL TO TAKE CREATIVE RISKS WITH PROJECTS?

23% Very empowered

48% Somewhat empowered

28% Not very empowered

Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.The Creative Group survey of more than 750 in-house AIGA members nationwide.

IT’S HARD FOR EMPLOYEES TO SHARE NEW IDEAS

HOW COMFORTABLE DO YOU FEEL PRESENTING NEW IDEAS TO YOUR MANAGER OR TEAM MEMBERS?

54% Very comfortable

33% Somewhat comfortable

9% Somewhat uncomfortable

3% Very uncomfortable

Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.The Creative Group survey of more than 750 in-house AIGA members nationwide.

Just over half of creative professionals feel their organization is perceived as

innovative or progressive.

NO RISKS, NO REWARDS

3 TIPS FOR BUILDING A CULTURE OF GREATER RISK-TAKING

Be clear about the actions and behaviors your

organization values.

Foster and reward those

behaviors consistently.

1 SET THE STAGE

Set up your staff members for risk-taking success.

Give employees stretch

assignments and difficult

problems to solve.

Celebrate successes along

the way.

2 EMPOWER EMPLOYEES

Avoid assigning blame when a mistake is made.

Refuse to tolerate team

members who place blame.

Use the opportunity to learn

from errors to minimize the

chance of a repeat.

3 NOT ALL RISKS PAY OFF, SO DON’T POINT FINGERS

You can find additional information about

The Creative Team of the Future,

including our latest survey data and

expert interviews on the TCG Blog.