Thought Reader

A collection of POVs on creativity, leadership, and all things marketing

Curated by Ashley from StuffAboutAdvertising

Do clients who tell you to "just get it done" care about ideas?

People say the idea is king, but what's a king to ... a client? Specifically, the kind of client who just wants you to get the job done. Ndukwe asked how others approach these scenarios. Is it worth bringing the client a bigger idea or concept? Can you ask them for more time to make sure the deliverable is rooted in a strong concept? Should you even bother?

The comments of this post have some great answers, including one with a steak and burger metaphor.

Are mock assignments really necessary?

When my old partner and I were first put in charge of leading the hiring process for the creative team, we were very adamant about not asking candidates to do assignments. Our bosses were nervous to hire anyone without seeing what they could do. But, um, that's what a portfolio is for??

I understand when internship applications ask some cute little questions to see how someone thinks, but when you get to higher levels, shouldn't your portfolio speak for itself?

Do your tasks come with instructions?

In this TikTok, Ellie speaks about "what, by when, and why" – her framework for giving neuroinclusive instructions for tasks. You should tell someone what exactly you want them to do, when you need it done by, and why you're giving them this task.

She gives great examples of how someone who is neurodivergent could spiral with an assignment that doesn't have those details. It seems simple, but that kind of efficient and helpful communication is often missed in the chaos of the typical agency hustle and bustle.

Wanna chat about it?

Hit reply and let me know what you thought about this week's posts.

Any typos were written by my very cute baby son who you obviously can't be mad at, so don't even try.