And You'll Feel Better, Too

I received some great professional feedback the other day from someone unexpected: someone here at frog, who I don't normally collaborate with, and who is not generally thought of as the mentoring type. Surprisingly, this person gave me some very clear, pointed and tactical advice that I didn't know I needed, until I heard it.

The exchange and personal insight got me thinking: when and how do I learn things about myself and my creative practice? When and why am I most energized?  And how can I continuously do my best work, and enjoy myself doing it?

I believe the the answer lies in spending time with people whose opinions you respect, who inspire you, and who you enjoy working with creatively. Every individual needs emotional and intellectual support from her creative tribe to sustain a positive, thriving and aspiring practice.

This might seem like a no-brainer. So more specifically, I'd like to propose that there are three aspects of well-rounded support, each of which should be attended to:

Collaboration

Feedback

Encouragement

1. Make the most of collaboration.

Many of us prefer holing up in a dark, quiet corner for thinking big thoughts to joining a noisy, chaotic team situation. I say embrace your creative cohorts.

Seek people who:

- are generative and cooperative

- have a working style or philosophy complementary to your own

- have killer talent that you admire

- you enjoy being around

- have been known to surprise you with their ideas in the past

The ideal result: have fun, create something more complex or more nuanced than you could have on your own, enjoy your spot in the creative community.

2. Seek feedback.

Don’t wait for your manager to give you that year-end review. You can and should get critique from peers as well as directors who aren’t your manager.

Seek people who:

- might not always be your biggest cheerleaders

- will speak honestly and objectively

- don't have a stake in your output

The ideal result: hone your craft, see yourself from a new perspective, gain clarity on what you can directly improve.

3. Accept encouragement.

Creatives are notoriously hard on themselves, and sensitive to unstructured and unconstructive critique. Sometimes, you just need a pat on the back to keep going.

Seek people who:

- are positive

- care about you

- know you and what you are passionate about

- you believe and accept

The ideal result: refuel and keep building your positive viewpoint, keep striving, reinvest in your creative endeavors.

It’s not necessary to get collaboration, feedback and encouragement from one manager or even one team. Try looking to different sources, and combine the results in ways you hadn’t before considered. The goal is to stay happy, energized and inspired.