Welcome to Episode 28 of Navigating the Fustercluck—a podcast full of snackable insights to help you navigate the topsy/turvy world of creativity and marketing.My name is Wegs, like eggs with a W, joining you from Deaf Mule Studios in Dallas, to talk about 10 Great Myths of Creativity. I was going to say 10 Great Lies of creativity, but it’s hard to prove intent, and it’s a sunny day outside, so, I’ll lighten up a bit.1) Innovation = CreativityThese two words aren’t synonyms. And they certainly aren’t antonyms. They’re complementary. Their relationship can best be described as this…Innovation is the implementation of creative ideas. Google didn’t create algorithms, but they innovatively applied them in a beautifully functional way.2) You’re Either Born Creative or NotSome people are born more predisposed to be creative, but constantly exercising your creative muscles will make you more creative. And whether you’re a designer or a salesperson, you can stretch your creativity. Are you committed to living a creative lifestyle? If so, creativity will seep into all you do.3) The More Important the Project, the More Teams You NeedWhen a major assignment like a new business pitch comes in, the usual approach is all-hands-on-deck. Everyone runs around like chickens with their heads cut off, and still the work doesn’t crash together until the last possible moment.Why is that?First off, when everyone is working on it, no one is really accountable. People give up because they figure “someone will crack the code”.Secondly, when a project gets dumped on top of your regular load, you don’t have a lot of time to focus on either. And because your regular work is going to be there regardless, you’ll pay more attention to that then something that at best is a “maybe”. Makes sense.The best way to win is to choose 2-3 teams and put it all on their backs. Free their time. Give them the support they need. And let them bring it home.It’s a lot of pressure, so you better pick the right people. Trust them and watch them rise to the occasion.Keep in mind that less is more and the bigger the assignment the more focus beats fragmentation. 4) Everyone in the Room Has to Have a Speaking RoleYes, clients often say they hate having anyone in the room that either won’t be working on their account or won’t have a prominent role in the room that day. I get the spirit of that request. Just don’t follow it out the window.It’s your meeting, too! And how will people pick up experience if they’re never allowed to observe how it’s done?Don’t bring a caravan of people, but at least one slot should go to someone who has worked on the assignment and will learn not only the ins and outs of being on the big stage but will come to understand more about the client and the client’s business as well.That doesn’t mean that they should just sit there. Observers can help the AV people. Serve as runners. Whatever it takes. Just as long as you take them. Gotta invest in our people, even if that means picking up their airfare and hotel room.5) Those Who Created the Work Should Present the WorkWould you rather present the work or sell the work? That’s what I ask when inexperienced or bad presenters feel adamant that they deserve to present their work.Number 1, they don’t own the work. It belongs to the team. To the agency. Still, I appreciate the pride that goes into the creation of work. Also, the desire to show what you’ve got and move up the ladder. In fact, I like that attitude. But I love when creatives understand when they’re not quite ready. Perhaps there’s a secondary role they can take.That said, nothing should get in the way of making the sale. And selling in your work is way more important than if you’re the one who presented it. Agreed?Creativity is a team sport, maximize the collective strength of your entire team.