turnaround time. We are considered a can-do facility by one of
our largest clients. I love hearing that because it means they
know that they can trust us to deliver and, I know, trust means
everything to a client,” he proclaims.
For Armour, the concept of “team” does not apply only to
the Armour staff.
“My client and I are a team. My full-time employees as well
as all freelance stylists, producers, models, and assistants who
work on each shoot are considered members of our team.
Regardless of how long their tenure is, whether it’s one day or
one week, they become part of the team. For us, ‘team’ is not
just a word, it’s a philosophy and a way of working, one that we
live daily,” he proudly says.KEYS TO TEAMWORKJake knows that in order to truly work as a team, there are
several key elements that need to be in place. The team must be
able to work together with all efforts focused on one goal, the
success of the shoot. Communication is a vital element on the
road to accomplishing this feat.
“ We have daily meetings to discuss each shoot and every
member of the team for that day’s shoot is involved,” he notes.
“ We review the project and everyone’s responsibilities. There is
no hierarchy; everyone has an opportunity to discuss the day.
We not only listen but we hear. Lunch is a time for all of us from
client to production team to sit down and to break bread
together,” states Armour.
In addition to the daily meetings as a communications tool
for shoots, Armour is focused on the long-term goal of using
the team concept as an approach for creating his studio service
goals and mission statements. To this end, he and his employ-
ees created a studio mission statement together. To do this they
initially chose to meet on a Saturday. Before attending, every-
one was asked to list their contributions to the team as well as
their interest for future responsibilities and their vision of what
excellent service looks like.
As the day progressed, the group members discussed
their individual ideas of the studio’s mission. Each personCHAPTER16 / TEAMARMOURChapter 16.qxd 6/25/07 7:20 AM Page 97