I started writing a book (which is now on sale) about collaboration, and its relationship to creativity, almost 3 years ago. (In fact, I showed a rough draft to my wife 2 years ago and would have never imagined then that I’d only be finishing it now).

In any case, I finally just released it this January. Seemed appropriate since this is the time of year we resolve to do something – workout more, adopt some new philosophy etc – in hopes of improving some aspect of our lives.

But why did I write a book about collaboration?

Well, glad you asked. The simple truth is, I felt compelled to do so after seeing so many young advertising creatives – and peers – hurt their own ideas and careers by being intolerable to work with.

So much is written about the creative process, what makes good (or bad) creative and where creativity in Advertising is heading with so much new media and technology. To write about any of that, seemed, at best, utterly redundant to me. So much has already been said – and said quite well – about those subjects.

Yet very little – actually, virtually nothing – seems to be written about how to get along with people in the pursuit of creating brilliant creative. This, more than anything, if I’m honest, has been one of the greatest challenges of my  own career. But I don’t think I’m weird. Nor particularly hard to get along with. You see, I believe collaboration is a daunting challenge for every creative person in advertising – and in any creative industry, for that matter. I also believe nothing will be more determinative as to whether you have a long and prosperous career creating, than how well (or not well) you collaborate with others.

Which means collaboration – and how to do it well – is worth writing about. (And hopefully, worth reading about.)

“Collaborate or Die: How Being a Jerk Kills Ideas and Careers” is ultimately a collection of true stories – and some advice – from my own career that speak to the power of collaboration – how not to do it and how to do it better. Perhaps you’ve struggled with this issue, maybe you have a partner, employee or friend who does. Or maybe you’d like to set a more collaborative tone for the team you’re managing.

Whatever the case, give it a read. It’s a light book. Very easy to digest. As I said, it’s for sale on Amazon now. It’ll be available as a paperback (that’s my preference) or as an ebook.

In any case, my sincere hope is it helps you create bigger ideas, and have a thriving career, by embracing collaboration.

If you have any questions, reach out. And if you’re inclined, follow the blog for updates on the book and more thoughts on collaboration and creativity.