5 top tricks and tips: managing client & creative relationships

We've all experienced tricky creative meetings and awkward client calls, but what if someone told you there was a way to run things smoothly? That someone is Susie Galbraith, and in her masterclass 'Managing Creative and Client Relationships', she outlines how to maintain successful working relationships. To get you started, she's revealed five of her top tips. 

At the heart of this masterclass is the intention to help creative people get the most out of those that they work with. The content and models of thinking dig deep into human motivation and how we influence each other – the deeper psychology underlying all social transactions. As a psychotherapist I draw upon all sorts of schools of thought, from Dr Eric Berne “Games People Play”, to Carl Jung and personality types. I've also worked in the creative business since 1983, so all my material is made to be easy to deal with & full of quick, powerful ‘take-outs’. If we work well with people we generally create better work too.

People buy people and you can only give the best of yourself if you are being genuine and open. This means not playing the politics and not playing the client politics either. Be bold & honest – your colleagues will love you for it. Outer behaviour aligned to inner values.

Be open to input from others and give credit where credit is due. Remember that even your bosses need recognition at key times. Be ready to give praise and plaudits. Sit back and reflect too on the value you brought to the work or the way of solving a problem.

Decide when you wish to push more for your way of thinking on a certain idea, plan or way of thinking. Be crystal clear with yourself about which moments you need to step up and influence the outcome. Disagreements do not need to be disagreeable.

Focus on how you want to do business with clients, external partners and agency teams. Collaborate together on how you intend to work to get the best out of all parties. Teams that can work this out stick together much longer & produce better work.

You need to be self-aware enough to know when to lead and when to follow someone else’s lead. Tomes are written about this – only you will know which style of leadership fits you best. Look to enhance your self-awareness so that you can continuously develop – there is no standing still.