How to Get Your Avengers to Assemble

(tips for when you applied for that management position; even though you’re unqualified, but then you got it)

This section pairs management with copywriting! Here are some extra tips on how to manage this specific style of team.

Your Duties:

• Organize the team (you’re the Nick Fury in the team)
• Mentor the team (be their guiding light)
• Advocate for the team (be their cheerleader. Not just to them but in front of others)
• Not writing copy! (you’re in charge of managing people to write copy, not writing the copy!)

(Lurie, 2014)

Pro Tips:

• Be respectful (be considerate of the team’s schedule and writing as an artform).
• Build a list of freelancers (note their areas of expertise, styles, etc. This is useful if you need an extra hand for a specific project).
• Set aside one day a month to allow team members to dedicate time to a passion project
• Require vacation! (This is important for the writer’s mental health and the quality of work).
• Avoid binges! (Plan out your schedule)
• Make editing a part of the schedule (Don’t let editing get forgotten).
• Never throw your team under the bus with a client (Don’t embarrass your team members).
• Don’t have too many meetings (Nothing will get done!).     
• Understand mistakes happen (Acknowledge a mistake and move forward).
• Try to give writers projects that will work to their strengths.
• Use an editorial calendar to plan (Keep it flexible).

(Lurie, 2014)

Conclusion/Takeaways:

As a team lead, you are only supporting the team. Do not write copy. Be respectful of the team and mental health days (vacation, passion projects) are key. Schedule and plan! Keep the plan flexible. Did I mention to plan and schedule?

So the secret to getting your avengers to assemble? Treat them like people! Don’t be Ebenezer Scrooge and make them work tireless hours (and don’t forget to plan and schedule!).

If you have any questions or comments, leave them in the comments section down below!

Sources:

Lurie, I. (2014, May 30). Learning to Write Marketing Copy. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning/learning-to-write-marketing-copy/