Never use a book when managing creatives. I think if I were to give any advice it would be do NOT micromanage. I know that applies no matter what, but given how spaced out creatives can behave the temptation is quite strong.

I usually try to ensure they know exactly what the limits of the job is before it starts. You need really clear creative briefs. For example, if you know the client hates the color brown, make sure they know it. If you know that certain graphic standards must be adhered to, they need to know that. Right from the start.

Delegation can be tough at the start, it takes time to decipher who has the best skill set for a job. Creative teams are best until you begin to see who does what well, and how you can combine skills to allow for growth.

As far as ego and personality clashes go - I don't put up with it. Ever. You're working with creative people in a business environment, not giving them their own private art studio. A happy creative team is one where they all feel respected, not worrying about having the main designer go off on a rant because the client wants their logo 10% bigger.

I don't care if the creative team wants to go to the pub/restaurant/coffee shop/park to get out and brainstorm. Fine with me. The thing about creatives is that it needs to be about the work, not whether or not they're at their desks right at 9am. But if they're working to tight deadlines then they'll need those cell phones.

Another great way to motivate is to ensure resources are available. Creative magazine subscriptions, pay for them to go to design conferences, whatever you can find to keep them inspired. Don't make it so that they have to buy their own design annuals. If they find a book or magazine or conference that they are interested in they should feel like you're open to letting them have access to it.

Allow for play. It's a great tool not just for the creatives but any coders or production staff they work with. Make sure the creative teams integrate into the rest of the business. In some places they end up kind of isolated from everyone else, which isn't good.

And, and, and.....um. I'm sure there's more. You don't say if you're working with juniors or seniors, or how it's structured so I'm not sure how far to take it. I've never bothered with books on how to manage the creative development, because it should be a fluid environment. A process imposed from the top down just doesn't work on creative development. It'll develop organically.

I have no idea if any of that is helpful. If you have more specific questions you can ask via email. I've worked as a project and studio manager in design firms and agencies for over 10 years and I've run into every kind of creative personality there is. 90% of them are fun, the other 10%....well. You can't like everyone you work with, right?