For most of us who work in the agency world, the majority of our time is likely spent on client projects. Although rewarding, many months focused on the same client may start to feel a bit, well, stale. Being creative is part of your team’s DNA.

Sometimes an internal project can be just the thing to spice things up. Seriously. When was the last time an idea was discussed that excited everyone within earshot? When was the last time that the thought of a company project made you tingle? If you can’t remember, or worse, you have never taken part in a company side project… you should be concerned about your team’s creative health. Internal projects can be lots of fun because your agency sets their own rules. Not to mention they’re a terrific opportunity for staff development, strengthening inter-office relationships and helping your team feel more connected to your brand. All work and no play can make a company a VERY dull place—and that’s just not how agencies operate!

This was how the CM Holiday Survival Guide initiative started. (Well sitting in the lunchroom with a bunch of folks drawing on tables and walls is where it really started. Crazy ass ideas, way too many to execute, and some, well, let’s just say were “off brand.”) So let me share how we progressed through that project to not only get all of those benefits for the team, but also produce a pretty sweet holiday experience.

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