sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get the real story out of people.

They don’t always say what’s on their mind especially when it comes to work.

That’s where managers come in you know the folks who have to read between the lines sift through the numbers and watch for little tells in behavior.

8 Phrases You’ll Hear When You Have a Big Problem in Your Creative Department

You see a good manager and I’m talking about a really good manager isn’t just about throwing ideas on the wall and hoping something sticks.

They’re the ones who can sense when something’s brewing.

Think of it like being able to read the tea leaves except instead of tea you’re reading the subtle signs of a team that’s either about to shine or completely fall apart.

And that’s where phrases come in.

It’s like a little code you know? Once you’ve got the hang of it you can pretty much translate anything your creatives are saying.

So here are some common phrases that might just mean you’ve got a fire to put out.

Want to learn how to decode your creative team’s secret language? 🧠 This post breaks down 8 common phrases that signal hidden problems. Click here to unlock the secrets of managing creative teams 😉

Table of Contents

“We’re Almost There…”

This one always sets off my alarm bells.

“Almost there” can mean anything from “we’re just about to nail it” to “we’re totally lost and don’t know what to do next.” It’s the ambiguity that makes it so dangerous.

Here’s the thing when you hear that you need to dig a little deeper.

Start by asking some specific questions.

“Almost there” to what exactly? What’s the next step? Are there any roadblocks?

The answers you get will tell you everything you need to know.

If you get vague responses it’s a good indication that they’re stalling.

You might even consider setting up a system where teams provide regular updates on their projects including potential roadblocks.

It’s like a little safety net to catch any issues before they become major problems.

“I’m Just Waiting On…”

Oh this one is a classic.

It’s the ultimate “pass the buck” phrase.

It can be tempting to just say “OK cool I’ll keep an eye on it.” But be careful because this is where the wheels can really start to fall off.

The problem with this phrase is that it can mask deeper issues.

Are they really just waiting on something or are they just not sure what to do next? It’s a subtle difference but it makes all the difference in the world.

If you suspect they’re just stalling you need to get to the bottom of it.

What are they waiting on? Why is it taking so long? What can you do to help?

Here’s a helpful tip: If you see someone using this phrase a lot consider setting up some clear guidelines for project management. Maybe a shared project management tool where everyone can track progress and deadlines or even just regular check-ins to see how things are going. The more transparent the process the less likely it is that someone will be hiding behind this phrase.

“We Can’t Do That.”

Now we’ve all been there.

You ask for something and your team throws their hands up in the air.

But before you give up take a minute to really analyze why they’re saying it.

Sometimes “we can’t do that” really means “we can’t do that right now.”

Maybe they need some additional resources or maybe they’re just overwhelmed with other projects.

It’s always a good idea to explore the possibilities.

But there are also times when “we can’t do that” means “we just don’t want to.” And that’s when you need to have a serious conversation.

Are they really pushing back because it’s impossible or are they just trying to avoid a challenging task? Remember the goal is to be flexible but you also need to be firm about setting expectations and making sure the team is meeting those expectations.

“We’re Not Quite Sure What We’re Doing Yet…”

This is a scary one because it means that your team isn’t exactly sure where they’re going.

There’s a good chance they’re lost in the weeds and might be scrambling to make it up as they go.

Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.

What are you working on? What are the goals? What’s the plan? It might seem like you’re putting them on the spot but really you’re giving them the guidance they need to get back on track.

If you see this phrase coming up a lot it might be time to revisit your project management strategy.

Here’s a thought: Maybe it’s time to implement a formal process for planning and defining project scope. This could include creating a detailed project brief outlining goals and objectives and establishing clear timelines. The more structured the process the less likely they are to get lost in the shuffle.

“I’m So Overwhelmed”

Let’s be real this is a common refrain these days.

Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes but when your creatives are saying this it’s a sign that something’s not right.

First let’s be empathetic.

Everyone has a breaking point and maybe their plate is a little too full.

That’s where you need to step in and offer support.

Is there a way to adjust their workload? Can they delegate some of their tasks?

But here’s the thing it’s also important to dig a little deeper.

Are they actually overloaded or are they just feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to perform? If it’s the latter it might be a sign that your team isn’t feeling confident in their abilities.

You might want to consider a few things:

Training and development: Are they up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques? Sometimes a little extra education can go a long way in boosting morale and confidence.
Feedback and recognition: Do they feel appreciated and recognized for their work? Sometimes a little positive reinforcement can make a big difference.
Clear expectations: Are they clear on what’s expected of them? Unclear expectations can lead to confusion and frustration.

“We Don’t Have Enough Time.”

This is the “classic” excuse that everyone uses and there are times when it’s true.

But as a manager you need to be able to separate the truth from the excuses.

Here are some of the common reasons people say they don’t have enough time:

Poor time management skills: It’s a reality not everyone is amazing at managing their time.
Procrastination: That old nemesis it’s always lurking around the corner.
Overcommitting: Taking on too much it’s a slippery slope that can lead to feeling overwhelmed.
Unclear expectations: Not really knowing what’s expected it can be frustrating.

The best way to address this is by having a clear plan.

If you’re seeing this phrase a lot consider these steps:

Set realistic deadlines: Make sure the timelines are achievable and don’t set your team up for failure.
Prioritize tasks: Help your team to focus on the most important tasks first.
Encourage breaks: Don’t let them burn themselves out. Help them to take regular breaks throughout the day.

“I’m Just Not Feeling It.”

This is a bit trickier.

It’s a classic creative response and can mean a lot of things.

Sometimes it’s just a case of a creative block and the team needs a bit of a break.

Here’s how to approach this situation:

Give them some space: Don’t force them to come up with ideas right away. Sometimes a change of scenery can help.
Encourage them to brainstorm: Get them talking and throwing ideas around.
Offer guidance and support: If they’re struggling to come up with something help them to generate some ideas.

But it’s also important to acknowledge that sometimes “I’m just not feeling it” can mean that the team is just not passionate about the project.

This could be because they’re not personally invested in the client or the creative brief.

It’s not their fault it’s just the nature of the business.

Here’s what to do when you hear this phrase:

Revisit the brief: Is it clear and concise? Does it inspire your team?
Connect the project to a larger goal: How does this project fit into the company’s overall strategy?
Talk to the team: Ask them what they need to feel more connected to the project.

“I Can’t Do This Alone.”

The truth is no one can do it alone.

It’s a team effort and your creative team should feel empowered to reach out when they need help.

When you hear this phrase listen closely.

Is it a genuine request for support? Or is it a way of avoiding responsibility?
Do they have the skills they need? Maybe they need additional training or mentoring.
Is it a lack of resources? Do they need access to more tools or technology?

Here’s how to address this phrase:

Offer support: Be there to help them whether it’s by providing guidance resources or just a listening ear.
Build a strong team culture: Encourage collaboration and open communication.
Empower your team: Give them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

“I’m Not Sure Why You’re Asking Me To Do This.”

This one might be a sign that your team isn’t aligned with your goals or doesn’t fully understand your vision.

It’s a good opportunity to reiterate the value of the project but it might also be a chance to re-evaluate your communication style.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Clear communication is key: Make sure that your team understands what you’re asking them to do and why it’s important.
Provide context: Help them to see the bigger picture and how their work fits into the overall strategy.
Listen to their concerns: Take the time to understand their perspective and address their questions.

Remember your creatives are your most valuable assets. They’re the ones who bring your ideas to life so it’s important to create an environment where they feel supported challenged and valued. Pay attention to the subtle clues and you’ll be able to create a thriving creative department that produces amazing results.