Lesson 2: Building and Leading Creative Teams in the AI Era
Objective
Students will be able to develop strategies for integrating AI tools and AI-assisted workflows into creative team structures, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Key Ideas
Rethinking Team Structures
From Silos to Squads: Cross-functional teams where creatives, strategists, and AI specialists collaborate closely.
The "AI Lead" Role: A team member responsible for staying current on AI tools, training the team, and integrating AI into workflows.
Hybrid Teams: Recognizing and leveraging the strengths of both human and AI contributors.
Fostering an AI-Positive Culture
Education, Not Fear: Proactive training and workshops to demystify AI and showcase its benefits.
Experimentation & Play: Encourage team members to experiment with AI tools in a low-stakes environment.
Celebrate AI-Assisted Successes: Highlight projects where AI significantly enhanced creative outcomes.
Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for discussing concerns, ethical dilemmas, and challenges related to AI.
Managing AI-Assisted Workflows
Clear Guidelines: Establish clear policies on AI usage, data privacy, and ethical considerations.
Version Control & Attribution: How to track changes and attribute work when AI is involved.
Quality Control: Implementing robust review processes to ensure AI-generated content meets brand standards and ethical guidelines.
Project Management Tools: Adapting existing tools or adopting new ones to manage AI-integrated projects.
Leadership in the AI Era
Visionary Leadership: Articulating a clear vision for how AI will enhance the team's creative output and impact.
Empathetic Leadership: Addressing team members' anxieties about job security and skill relevance.
Continuous Learning: Leaders must model a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability.
Ethical Stewardship: Guiding the team in responsible and ethical AI usage.
In-Lesson Activities
Team Structure Redesign: In groups, take a traditional creative team structure (e.g., a marketing department with separate design, copy, and social media teams). Redesign it to optimally integrate AI, considering new roles, collaboration points, and workflow changes.
AI Culture Brainstorm: Imagine you are a creative leader introducing AI to your team. Brainstorm 5 concrete actions you would take to foster an AI-positive, experimental, and ethical culture.
Talking Points
"Leading in the AI era is about empowering your team, not replacing them."
"The best creative teams will be those that learn to dance with AI, not just use it."
"Your role as a leader is to create the psychological safety and the practical frameworks for your team to thrive with AI."