Managing projects at a creative agency often feels like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle (and yes, one of the torches just turned into a cat). Between creative brainstorms, tight deadlines, clients who want “just one last change,” and managing a team of uniquely talented individuals, it’s no easy feat.
But here’s the thing—for creative agencies to thrive, project managers are the glue that holds everything together. The good ones ensure that campaigns are delivered on time and on budget. The great ones? They empower their teams, delight clients, and drive agency-wide success. If you want to make that leap from good to great, you’re in the right place.
Project Management vs. Client Management
First things first, project management and client management are not the same thing. While there’s definitely some overlap, great agencies assign these responsibilities to separate roles. Here’s why that matters.
Project Managers focus on internal processes. They own timelines, workflows, budgets, and resources to ensure the agency delivers work smoothly. They’re the master puzzle solvers, making sure the right team members are doing the right tasks at the right time.
Client Managers (or Account Managers), on the other hand, are all about maintaining that client-agency relationship. They’re in charge of upsells, managing expectations, communicating feedback, and keeping clients happy.
When project management is lumped into client management, things can get messy. For one, deadlines might slip as client managers are pulled into meetings or client fires. Dedicated project managers streamline operations so the team can focus on doing what they do best: creating amazing work.
Must-Have Skills for a Successful Project Manager
It’s not enough to stay on top of tasks and timelines. Truly exceptional project managers have a distinct set of skills that allow them to wrangle chaos into success.
1. Organization with a Side of Flexibility
Great project managers are hyper-organized but adaptable enough to pivot when plans change (because they will change). They’re the guardians of project scopes, budgets, and deadlines, always keeping track of the moving pieces.
Real-World Example: A killer Gantt chart or Kanban board is your best friend here. Tools like Deltek WorkBook integrate task management with timelines, giving you visibility without the extra headache.
2. Rock-Solid Communication
Want to know the #1 reason projects fail? Poor communication. Effective project managers don’t just delegate tasks; they actively share updates, facilitate collaboration, and provide clarity.
How to Get Better: Create a communication plan so your team knows how and where to share updates. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Deltek WorkBook streamline this process with centralized messaging.
3. Emotional Intelligence
High emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential in creative environments. When teams are stressed about tight deadlines or creative rejections, an empathetic project manager can help diffuse tension and keep spirits high.
Acting With Empathy: Project managers improve their EQ by honing their listening skills and seeking feedback to better understand and address their team’s needs.
4. Problem-Solving and Proactivity
Being able to foresee potential roadblocks and troubleshoot them before they become full-blown problems is the mark of a next-level project manager.
Pro Tip: Use resource management tools to predict team workloads weeks in advance. Platforms like Deltek WorkBook allow you to plan staffing needs and avoid burnout.
How Agency Leaders Can Empower Project Managers
Even the best project managers can struggle if they aren’t empowered by their agency leaders. Here’s what you can do to help them shine.
Provide Training and Mentorship
Investing in training programs for project management techniques (like Agile or Scrum) can help elevate your team’s skills. Pair new PMs with experienced mentors to guide them through the agency’s workflow.
Offer the Right Tools
Arm your team with tools tailored to creative agencies, like Deltek WorkBook. With features like dynamic dashboards, resource forecasting, and client collaboration portals, it’s built specifically with agencies in mind.
Encourage Open Feedback
Ask your project managers how workflows could improve. Listen to their feedback; they often have the best insights into optimizing processes. Foster a culture where they feel heard and supported.
Using Software to Optimize Project Management
Relying on spreadsheets and sticky notes just isn’t cutting it anymore. The right project management software can mean the difference between frustrated teams and a thriving agency.
Deltek WorkBook Project Management Solution for Marketing Agencies
Here’s why agencies worldwide are turning to Deltek WorkBook for their project management needs:
- Streamlined Operations: Manage everything from timelines to budgets to task assignments in one platform.
- Resource Forecasting: Gain full visibility into team capacity, helping you avoid burnout and plan ahead.
- Real-Time Dashboards: See up-to-the-minute data to make smarter, faster decisions.
- Client Collaboration Tools: With WorkBook’s client portal, you can keep clients looped in with updates and job statuses.
- Scalable Features: Start with the basics and add advanced tools like CRM or financial tracking as your agency grows.
It’s not just about saving time—it’s about creating a seamless system that supports creativity while keeping operations ultra-efficient. Contact us to learn more about how Deltek WorkBook can transform your agency today.
