How to have “uncomfortable” conversations with clients about diversity and inclusion
You need to be direct and proceed with the assumption that people have good intentions until they prove otherwise. If after discussing the need with your clients you get to a place where you feel uncomfortable with the direction you’re headed then you need to decide what line you will not cross and communicate it clearly.
What’s one skill marketers must have now that they didn’t really need three years ago?
You have to be able to be comfortable with short-term engagements, going from project to project. This existed 3 years ago but it has become much more pronounced now. It requires you to be laser focused on near term goals, strategy, and finances. You must make sure you deliver but you cannot give your services away. It’s a delicate balance, you want to please the client but that doesn’t necessarily mean giving them exactly what they think they need. You want to deliver on time but you cannot deliver work that’s less than great. It’s being comfortable working with shorter timelines and smaller budgets.
How did you overcome a tough moment in your career?
You need to step back and consider what the damage really is. Are you overreacting, did you do something like a “reply all” or an accidental forward, that we all have done? Will it be forgotten in a day? Can you address it directly with those impacted, in person? If it is truly career damaging then you need to own up right away. Accept responsibility and people are usually pretty forgiving. Regardless you need to accept responsibility and move forward.
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