Passion for Fashion

Enthusiasm struck when each group member found out that we would now have to devise a pitch for the fashion brief. We were ecstatic to take on the brief as we were four girls with a passion for fashion. Mc Gregor’s theory would argue that due to the fact that our team is motivated towards the task set, we would have experienced ‘Theory Y’ management, as “People will exercise self-direction if they are committed to the objectives (they are NOT lazy)” Nwlink (2010) . I believe that if you are interested in the tasks and enjoy the work that you are doing, you become more self motivated and the quality of your work will increase, which is exactly what happened.  

As a team, we understood that we wanted to work to the best of our abilities, so that we could deliver an outstanding piece of work. There were no exceptions, time to crack on and get stuck in.

It brings to my attention that “the way the team is managed reflects upon the reputation of the service it provides” Crofts 2011, Lecture 3. Empire PR, therefore, had to ensure that the most appropriate management style was taken on board. As an agency we understand the importance of team work and co-operation. We decided that the best form of leadership style that the agency should adopt is a democratic leadership style, this is where everyone has the opportunity to voice an opinion, allowing all members to contribute to ideas and voice what they believe should change.

As a PR agency, it is essential that all creative ideas are voiced and expressed amongst the group. Empire PR achieved this by brainstorming our thoughts, highlighting how we could meet our client’s expectations. Brainstorming “involves the group adopting a ‘freewheeling’ attitude and generating as many ideas as possible, the more wild or apparently far-fetched the better” Osborn (1963). It is crucial that team members come on board and contribute their thoughts. As a PR agency we welcome wacky thoughts with open arms! ...With four creative ladies, this was no problem. If you didn’t know, brainstorming helps with the co-operation of the group, this is seen to improve and reach a desired result. Thankfully, this is exactly what came about from the brainstorming meeting. Go us!

When deciding upon our catwalk idea. We decided to fairly delegate tasks amongst the group. Tasks were delegated so that the presentation could be devised within the time frame given to us. Many managers regard delegation to have created higher quality and standards amongst project deadlines, demonstrating the importance of effective meetings. Knowing this information, this is something that we implemented, which worked exceptionally well.

The pitch which was delivered to us by our clients highlighted many key facts. Yet as an agency we understand that within our work we must complete four very important aspects which are:

v  Achieving what had been outlined

v  Ensuring that we complete the tasks in the time frame given

v  Keep to the budget set

v  Complete the tasks to an impeccable standard

Understandably the client and agency must have a working relationship, meaning that they are able to liaise with one another; if any questions were to arise.  Communication and relationship between client and agency is very important, this is so that both teams have mutual understanding, ensuring that they both are reliable and that they can trust each other. On several occasions, when trying to contact the clients, we had no response. Personally, I feel that the client felt that they communicated well enough via their presentation; yet, this was not the case in certain areas. Tench and Yeomans (2009, pg, 331) agrees arguing “good communication skills can sometimes be confused with good presentation skills , when in reality a wide variety of communication skills are needed to deal with the large and small groups”. The lack of communication from our clients led us to a disadvantage as they were not able to fully verify our thought process. We found the brief to be vague in some areas, which is why we needed the extra communication. From this, I understand that clients are busy, and have other tasks on their hands. Yet, when communicating, I understand the importance of getting back to someone as soon as possible. Potentially this is when misinterpretations could occur, and deadlines could not be met. As a result, this is something that I will bear in mind for the future.