A turtle person…

A… well, you get the point. I love creatures of all shapes and sizes.

This afternoon, I have the pleasure of dog-sitting my best friend’s cocker spaniel/dachshund mix, Peyton, for a few hours.
She’s been sniffing around the office, checking everything out. She’s even stretched out on my guest chair a few times and given the beanbag a try. (And you thought it was funny watching me get out of a beanbag!)

Some employers feel that having pets in the workplace decreases employee productivity. I disagree. While I’ll admit I’ve spent a few minutes hugging Peyton today, just having her around has lifted my mood. I’ve actually been more productive.

I think our office just might need a mascot. I wonder if an otter would like our kitchen sink?

Is it fame? In my 10+ years of traffic management, I’ve never once had someone stop me on the street and say, “Dawn Travelstead? I know you! You’re the Traffic Manager everyone is talking about!”

Is it respect? While I appreciate knowing my peers value me as a member of the team, I’ve never been one to covet respect from others. After all, aren’t we in this thing called, “advertising” together?

Is it fortune? How many Traffic Managers do you know who drive a Rolls-Royce? I’ll stick with my “soccer mom” mini-van, thank you very much.

Being part of something great.

That’s what motivates me. It’s not about the accolades or material things. It’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about knowing that my actions, day-in and day-out, affect not only the people around me, but this organization as a whole; whether positively or negatively is entirely up to me.

What’s YOUR motivation?

Throughout the review process, I’ve been intrigued by the broad spectrum of personalities involved. Now, more than ever, I believe that knowing employees on a personal level is critical to the success of the traffic department.

We’re all unique individuals. Numerous things motivate us and we each operate differently in the work environment. If you’re a traffic manager, step back for a moment and look at each member of your team. What do you really know about them? What do they value? What do they like to do in their spare time? What type of work ethic do they display?

By getting to know employees more closely, you gain an advantage as a traffic manager. You then know how to more quickly get the work done and how to reward employees in a meaningful way. Let me give you an example.

While the traffic manager of a medium-size agency, I worked with a designer named Christian. He was a pretty laid back guy who took pride in his work. He paid attention to detail and wasn’t afraid to ask questions, although most of the time he worked quietly at his desk. On the weekends, he loved to listen to music and spend time with his family. He’d been a part of the creative industry for many years so he knew how things worked. Although certainly a team player, Christian didn’t typically go “above and beyond” to help out around the office. He would help if asked, but didn’t volunteer.

Because I knew so much about Christian, I was able to more efficiently “traffic” him. I put tasks on his list as far out as possible. I knew he’d want a lot of job details (more than other designers), so I carefully gleaned requests and talked with the account executive(s) if anything was missing. Whenever possible, I included due times for tasks because he liked knowing that information. I also knew he needed to leave promptly at 5 p.m. each day to pick up his son, so I tried to give him a heads up if I thought something was going to take longer than usual. In the middle of a busy week, I might reward him with a $5 iTunes gift card just to say, “Thanks for working so hard!” While he didn’t seek approval from anyone, he liked knowing he was appreciated and that motivated him to work even harder.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you have to park yourself at an employee’s desk and ask a barrage of questions. You already know a lot of the answers. You simply have to take the time to step back and observe. Getting to know team members on a personal level will not only help you become a better traffic manager, but you’ll also gain the respect of your peers.

Oh, yeah.

My youngest son wrapped up his first ever soccer season, last month. At age four, he was taught the rules of the game, how to be a part of the team and to move the ball toward the goal. [Unfortunately, on several occasions, that translated into whichever goal was the closest.]

When my eldest son entered second grade, he was handed a planner. At the end of each class, he was instructed to jot down homework, upcoming tests, events, etc. in the appropriate calendar boxes. He was told to have mom or dad initial each day, once the work was done, and then turn in the planner the next morning for teacher review. He was six years old.

The fundamental skills we learn as children – organization, consistency, planning, honesty – play a critical role within the agency (and other business environments), not to mention our lives outside of the office.

I’m guessing, as a Traffic Manager, you have a finely-tuned system in place for managing the wealth of information that crosses your path each and every day. [If not, I strongly recommend researching web-based project management software.]

Keeping the system you use in mind, think about how you can help other team members “get organized.” Do they log in regularly to check the status of projects? Are they aware of the “big picture” reports available to them? Do you touch base with them each morning to discuss, “what’s hot and what’s not?” Do you help them efficiently plan the work day (e.g. meetings, materials needed, etc.)?

In terms of the physical work environment, do team members have In/Out baskets on their desks so you can quickly drop off (and pick up) materials? Do they have the supplies they need to do their jobs well (e.g. up-to-date software, a comfy chair, proper lighting, etc.)?

A well-organized, and inviting, work environment will do wonders for team productivity. As the Traffic Manager, you’re in an empowered position to share your incredible talent to motivate, organize and plan.

Now, go straighten up your room!

In agency traffic management, as in life, it’s all about the details. Good customer service not only keeps work (and team members) moving productively, but it makes everyone feel good along the way.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “As Traffic Manager, you’re in a position to directly affect the attitudes of those around you.” Listen for the opportunity to brighten someone’s day and act on it.

Here are a few of my favorite “random acts of kindness,” in the workplace:

1.    Keep a pack of note cards in your desk drawer. When a team member does something great around the office, tell them you noticed. I’m fond of this designer’s Smile Mini cards – Isabell’s Umbrella.

2.    Bring a team member a cup of coffee. If there’s none made, brew a pot and let everyone know when it’s ready.

3.    Split a bouquet of flowers with your team members. I often buy an $8-$10 sleeve on my way to work and divide it up among two or three people. Who doesn’t love cheerful flowers, “just because?”

4.    Straighten up around the office. While you’re waiting for your printouts at the copier, tidy up the paper shelf. If there are printouts that haven’t been picked up yet, deliver them with a smile.

While the above acts fall outside of your job description, they’re nonetheless a selfless way to build team spirit. A positive work environment can only foster increased productivity and encourage others to perform random acts of kindness.

Who knows, someone might even bring YOU a cup of coffee!

As is the case with any employee, it’s important to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of your Traffic Manager on a regular basis.

Think about these scenarios for a moment.

If project specs are missing from the initial contact report, who requests them before moving the work to the creative department? The Traffic Manager.

If an art director needs to know when the layout is due for presentatation, who does he ask? The Traffic Manager.

If the production manager has to confirm the quantity to be quoted, who does she ask? The Traffic Manager.

When gauging the workload of his department, with whom does the creative director consult? The Traffic Manager.

Who typically serves as backup when the office manager is out for the afternoon? The Traffic Manager.

If I were to outline all of the ways in which a Traffic Manager contributes to the overall success of an agency, I’d have to consult a publisher. This post would quickly turn into a book.

Please don’t misunderstand. I’m by no means devaluing the many contributions of the other team members in an agency. I’m simply suggesting credit be given where credit is due. In a fast-paced creative environment, it’s easy to overlook the person (or people) behind the process.

The next time you’re tempted to start a conversation with, “Where’s my ad?” Take a deep breath, hug your Traffic Manager, and be thankful she knows where to find it.

While sitting here, nose and fingertips slightly numb, it occurred to me…

“Your work environment is as key to your productivity as a good night’s sleep.”

For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard, “Make sure you get a good night’s sleep so you can make it through the day tomorrow!”

What if I’m well rested, at 7 a.m., but completely put off by my surroundings once I’m in the office? Your home-away-from-home has to be inviting, relaxing and, dare I say, fun.

Here are a few of my favorite things…

My diplomas. They remind me of why I worked so hard at Murray State University; to get here.

My plants. When the stress is overpowering, they reassure me that life goes on.

My wooden sushi set. Who doesn’t need Velcro-fastened California rolls and ama ebi?

My family photos. Pictures of my husband and sons remind me that I work to live. I don’t live to work.

My thank you notes. Received from co-workers (and their children), these little notes remind me that random acts of kindness are important.

My 3-year-old son’s cloud mobile. It may just be paper, strings and a wire hanger, but it reminds me that there’s a higher power at work in my life.

My candy jar. It’s always nice when people wander in to say, “hello” (and swipe M&Ms).

What do you like about your office?

Yep, cake.

Let’s think about this for a minute. Before you were even born, chances are someone organized a baby shower and served cake. On your first birthday, and nearly every birthday thereafter, you probably blew out a candle (or several) atop a cake. When you graduated from college, cake. When you got married, cake. Need I go on?

My biggest weakness, a huge slice of cake – preferably white with extra (and I mean extra) icing – is a great way to lift someone’s spirits.

Just yesterday, my co-worker was feeling a bit blue. It was her birthday and she’d been given an assortment of sweet treats. While she was certainly thankful, she was really craving a cupcake. I bought her one at a specialty shop nearby. She immediately had a smile on her face and a fork in her hand.

In an agency environment, there’s nearly always something to celebrate – someone turning “the big 4-0,” an engagement, the announcement of a baby-to-be, having landed a new Client, an exceedingly profitable month, the agency’s founding 25 years ago.

I recommend taking every opportunity to celebrate the things that bring you together as a team. Not only will it built a sense of “family” within your group, but it’ll foster a more light-hearted and, ultimately, more productive atmosphere.

Besides, who doesn’t work faster with a sugar rush?