Chief marketing officers (CMOs) have, on average, the shortest tenure in the c-suite. In 2022, the average CMO at a top 100 U.S. advertiser had been in that role for just over three years. This creates high-pressure, stressful environments.
Marketing and communication teams often face changing business landscapes, the pressure to hit difficult metrics, and resource constraints. To ease pressure, it can be helpful to lower the perceived stakes of decisions and actions. The idea is to make situations more manageable, to encourage experimentation, and to promote learning.
So, how can marketing and PR professionals lower the stakes, while staying focused on making progress towards important goals? Below I’ll explore three easy, but often overlooked, ways to do this.
Set Incremental and Measurable Goals
Marketing and communications don’t always have clear and measurable performance metrics. This can make effectiveness difficult to evaluate. Large, ambiguous tasks can be daunting and create unnecessary pressure. Fortunately, setting incremental and measurable goals can help lower the stakes. By breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, the overall objective becomes more achievable. And clearly defined steps and accomplishments create more opportunities to celebrate small wins, a great way to increase productivity.
Focus on Growth to Take Setbacks in Stride
Redefining failure encourages a growth mindset, where challenges and setbacks are opportunities for improvement rather than indicators of incompetence. This mindset empowers individuals to view obstacles as steppingstones to success, fostering a more optimistic and motivated environment.
When failure is redefined, there is less fear of mistakes. Team members are more likely to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and experiment with novel approaches. This can lead to increased creativity and the discovery of unique solutions.
Foster Team Collaboration
Collaboration is crucial in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Turning to team members for support creates a sense of camaraderie that can alleviate stress.
A team with a range of skillsets and perspectives can more easily produce innovative solutions and foster collaboration. Just like any sports team, a group with a wide range of skills is better positioned for success. When one person is tired or overwhelmed, others can step in to support and continue making progress to the goal.
In the world of marketing and PR, where stakes can often feel sky-high, finding ways to lower the pressure and stay energized is crucial.
Boosting morale can profoundly impact an organization’s success. Setting measurable goals, embracing a growth mindset, and fostering teamwork pave the way for more effective and enjoyable work. As the marketing and PR landscape evolves, these strategies will serve as valuable tools to stay successful while ensuring the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.