November: Resolutions & Revelations
It’s almost the end of the year, and with thankfulness at heart, we asked our friends and clients to share how they bake gratitude into their business practices by showing appreciation year-round, their resolutions for 2024, and reflect on what 2023 has brought them thus far. ‘Tis the reason for the season, after all! Leaders from Ruckus, Curfew, Emerald, and CANADA recount their many thanks and set goals for the future on the November Syzygy blog feature.
How do you like to show appreciation for your employees and co-workers?
I think of it as a triangle, as everyone has a different way of feeling appreciated: Constructive, well-thought-through praise (either individual or in a group, person dependent), Verbal recognition, Material, and Emotional. Then, it is just a case of understanding the individual and making it personal. - Charlotte Woodhead, CANADA
Thanking them as often as possible. I also love giving gifts. A good gift is always personal and takes people’s tastes into account. We also do bonuses at Ruckus. - JJ Adler, Ruckus
I think giving credit and applause, often, loudly, and in an ongoing way. It's good to call it out whenever someone does a great job, no matter how big or small. - Kathryn Berk, Curfew
What’s a part of your company culture that you’re particularly grateful for?
We all take the work – but not ourselves – seriously. We’re all really aware that, at the end of the day, we’re making fun videos, not curing cancer. - JJ Adler, Ruckus
The camaraderie and sense that everyone is working towards the same goal. - Kathryn Berk, Curfew
Dedication and collaboration - it’s amazing what those two pillars allow you to achieve. - Charlotte Woodhead, CANADA
How are you, as an artist and leader in business, keeping up with the evolving demands of the industry?
I try to stay informed on what’s happening in the comedy scene and filmmaking spaces, and with techniques and technologies. I like to know who’s new in comedy so I go to a lot of shows and look for new people to follow on social media. And not just for business purposes: it’s my main hobby. Being up on what’s new in production, comedy performance, media in general… etc.. It never gets old for me. - JJ Adler, Ruckus
I am of the belief that all artists and leaders must constantly reinvent themselves. To say that the industry is a moving target is an understatement. Production is a process, no matter what. We all know that, but the landscape has changed so much in the last five years. - John Duffin, Emerald Pictures
What are you grateful to have invested in and/or saved for?
I’m really grateful to have invested in my little short film. And if it does nothing for me in my career, it’s still gratifying to be able to take the time and space to get better at storytelling. I feel lucky to be in a position to be able to do that. - JJ Adler, Ruckus
I'm so thankful for the relationships and talent we've invested in – it’s all about long-term growth and the bigger picture! - Kathryn Berk, Curfew
My house. - Charlotte Woodhead, CANADA