Strategic Thinking And Roadmapping: How Is It Calculated And How Can I Improve?

Creative Directors play a key role in shaping the direction of client projects by proactively suggesting new ideas and projects, rather than simply tracking tasks. They guide clients on brand strategy, offering insights on industry best practices, identifying target audiences, and recommending ways to differentiate the brand from competitors. By providing strategic input and proposing innovative solutions, Creative Directors ensure the brand effectively speaks to its audience and is positioned for long-term success.

Are you inquisitive / thoughtful / resourceful / thinking ahead?

Score Calculation

For each performance pillar, we ask several questions during feedback reviews. You can score up to 10 points for each question. We then calculate the average score for that pillar and multiply it by 10, giving a maximum score of 100 for that pillar in that specific review. All the feedback scores are then averaged to give you the Total Pillar Score, which you see in your portal.

The weight for this score is x1.

Types of reviews where your Strategic Thinking & Roadmapping skills are rated:

Quality Assurance (QA) Checks
Client Reviews (either collected by the Client Relationship Manager or from the client directly)
Client Relationship Manager Checks during the Kickoff Call and Mid-Trial Check-in

Strategic Thinking And Roadmapping: Questions And Points

QA Checks Questions And Points

Are projects scheduled out clearly for the next two weeks?

(+2 points) If no timeline or 1 day
(+2 points) Some tasks planned out for the next 2-3 days for all creatives
(+4 points) Tasks planned for 1 week for all creatives

BONUS (pick two)

(+1 point) Tasks planned for the next two weeks
(+1 point) There is a backburner project

(+2 Points) Timeline is planned for the next month for all creatives (with or without backburner project)

Were the right amount of options or distinct concepts presented?

Rate the creativity and quality of options

Production should include: no concepts + 1 extra idea.

Speed should include: 3+1 Concepts with Moodboards.

Creativity Work should include: 6+1 Concepts with Moodboards.

(+1 Point) Two concepts are missing based on the client plan
(+1 Point) One concept is missing based on the client plan
(+2 Points) Submitted the appropriate number of concepts or idea options based on the client plan or modified brief
(+2 Points) Distinct concepts were created, rather than just different versions of the same concept (for speed or creativity). OR, how different versions (for production)
(+2 Points) 1 extra concept presented to the client

BONUS

(+2 Points) 2 extra concepts presented to the client

Did the CD make strategic recommendations for future projects in the 90-Day Report?

Client Review Questions

If design strategy was something clients were seeking, were clients being provided with that?
Rate the strategic recommendations and insights (if applicable)?
Did the CD ask clarifying questions to better engage the client and understand the brand/project on Kickoff call?