How Do You Conduct Performance Appraisals and Team-Building in a Creative Ad Agency?

I am working in an ad agency and I want to know on what parameters I can conduct performance appraisals and which method I should use here. The people in our organization are primarily graphic designers, copywriters, client servicing professionals, etc. Given that this is a creative industry, please share the appraisal form that would be most suitable.

Team-Building Activities for a Creative Environment

Secondly, I would appreciate it if you could share some effective team-building activities that I can implement in my office, considering the creative nature of our work environment.

Regards,
Ritu Arora Khandelwal

I think you can implement 360-degree feedback because, in an ad agency, work is done in a team, so employees depend on each other a lot. Secondly, customers have a direct impact from employees that develop the image of the organization. So, involve them in employee appraisals through feedback (use forms). It will, in return, help in developing long-term relationships with customers. For example, Mr. A from Company X has given a project that involves your SEO. Then, through his feedback on SEO work and behavior (how the employee dealt with him), you can appraise the SEO. But the important thing is that the appraisal must not be based on how the last two or three clients appraised the employee because sometimes clients even act like nerds. So, maintain it in document form and analyze the average of all.

Additionally, you can customize it according to your own needs. For example, mix it with the KRA (Management by Objective) method, which is common because today flexibility is required. You cannot stick to one universally structured method. So, read and observe your organization and its people, analyze how you can customize or modify a particular method, or how you can use one method in a way that suits your organization.

Hope it helps.

Regards,
Vandana Malik

Team-Building Activity Suggestions

You can organize games like dumb charades and antakshari, and form teams with members who have conflicts. Additionally, consider having movie sessions featuring films such as "Remember the Titans," "Coach Carter," and "Invictus." After watching these movies, ask the team to analyze and summarize them and relate the stories to themselves. These movie sessions can inspire and motivate employees, helping them understand not only themselves but others as well.