Are You A "YES" Man?
Recently, I came across a question someone had posted on LinkedIn in staffing and recruiting under corporate governance about “yes” men and whether or not that type of person could be trusted? And, I thought to myself, ,”in a city where there are so many good art directors and graphic designers out of a job or looking for new clients to add to their roster, is it important to always say “yes” to a client or boss’ every whim?” I’m not talking about a serious, reputation-threatening type of whim where there is a lot at stake and the wrong decision could actually cost jobs and/or dollars. I’m talking about the type of whim when you are on a tight deadline, a tight budget and a short rope, when suddenly, someone comes over and asks, “hey, what do you think about this?”
I’m always thinking about ways to be a better art director, but is saying “yes” to your client or boss’ every whim part of being a better art director? Or, as a professional, is it better to give your honest opinion, creatively speaking? I can honestly say that I am definitely NOT a “yes” man. I don’t just say, “yes, I love it” simply because someone else does. I have my own style when it comes to creating art and it is without a doubt, very commercial. If you are hiring me, I hope you have seen my work and know that I will apply my style to your project or vision and will always produce at film studio level. So, as an art director, are you paying me to be a “yes” man or for my professional perspective? Or, both?
Of course, I know the answer is both. But finding that balance between giving your client or your boss what they want and keeping your artistic vision, means knowing the right questions to ask and the right way to ask them. For example, I recently had a client mark up a proof with what I thought would end up as a strange-looking design edit, so I had to stop and ask my client what they are trying to accomplish by requesting that change? Either, I will get a clear specific answer that I can interpret and, hopefully, turn into something genius or I will hear the dreaded, “I don’t know what I want, but I know what I don’t want.” If you hear the latter, run. That person will never be happy because they will never know what it is they want.
To me, the difference between a “yes” man and a person trying to get the best creative possible in the time allotted, is exactly the difference between an account executive and an art director. An account executive will always tell the client “yes,” when it is the art director’s job to play “therapist” and start asking real questions. Questions that could potentially give an art director a reputation as being a “diva” or “prima donna,” so be careful how you ask.
Ultimately, what good does a “yes” man do for any client or department at the art director level? In that case, why would you need an art director, at all? Wouldn’t a project manager due?
To read what other people think about “yes” men, in general, please go to the LinkedIn page at http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruiting/HRH_SFF/658263-7604647
