6 Times Mad Men Inspired us to be a Better Leader

Don Draper, the tall mystery man of the hit television series Mad Men. The series is set in the 1960’s Manhattan, in a relatively successful Ad Agency. The show depicts varying aspects of company culture as well as doling out heaps of inspirational quotes. We can all take a few notes from the men & women at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. Mad Men is chock full of lessons to inspire a great workforce, and we have picked some of the best quotes from the series to inspire your company to new levels

 

Instilling inspiration

It’s important to instill inspiration for your employees simply because it helps your employees think creatively and with depth of thought. When employers take the time to make meaningful connections via advice and guidance they are ultimately investing in their companies success as a whole.

In a study conducted by Towers Watson (2014 Global Workforce Study), 60% of employees lack the elements needed to be highly engaged in the workplace.  

 

Did you know 60% of employees lack the elements needed to be highly engaged in the workplace? Share on X

 

1. “The reason you haven’t felt love is because it doesn’t exist. What you call love was invented by guys like me…to sell nylons. – Don Draper

A macabre point of view on love for sure, but it speaks volumes to the power of great work (in this case great advertising.) Tough love can be an effective tactic in the workplace. Challenge your employees within reasonable means. Set goals that seem a little hard to reach while simultaneously instilling confidence into your team. This will motivate your employees and show that you have confidence in their talents.

Consider the fine line between challenging and overworking your employees. Challenging your workforce is simply making the case for ownership, “would you want your name on this project” vs. overworking, which is adding more tasks with no ownership. Challenge your employees to be proud of their work vs. blatantly overworking them.

Sit down with your employees and offer some challenging feedback. In a study SAP conducted with Oxford Economics found that 50% of high performing employees say they expect (at the very least) a monthly sit down with their managers.

 

50% of high performing employees say they expect a monthly sit down with their managers. Share on X

 

2. If you don’t like what is being said, then change the conversation. -Don Draper

Taking the ropes on a project, or simply tasking yourself to turn a difficult situation around is no easy feat. Doing so, shows great depth of problem-solving and is an absolute attribute to look for in employees. Encourage your employees to think for themselves!

A major part of problem solving is listening. Develop great listening tools and watch impossible looking hurdles turn into small bumps.

Basic steps of being an efficient listener:

• Eliminate biases prior to the meeting/talk
• Be both clear minded & open minded while listening
• Don’t overreact to an idea you disagree with
• Take into consideration the other person’s point of view, reflect, and then offer your point of view.

In a recent study conducted by Accenture research found that Respondents deeply value good listening skills. Specifically thinking before speaking 54%.

 

3. Peggy, just think about it. Deeply. Then forget it. And an idea will jump up in your face. -Don Draper

In a study conducted by Park West Gallery 61% of surveyed employees cited time off as improving physical health, and 55% said it improves mental wellbeing.

 

Take time to reflect. Reflection can be a radical tool for your success. Throughout the series we see Don Draper reflecting via business naps, long office hours, and staring into space over an “old fashioned.” It is during  these business hour naps & deep reflectional periods that Draper gets the most inspiration/work done.

 

4. The truth is people may see things differently, but they don’t really want to.- Don Draper

Opposing views and opinions can sometimes seem like a bad thing, but in reality, these differing opinions offer valuable insight into great new ideas.

KPMG recently put out a survey asking women to dish the leadership lessons they learned growing up. The results were shocking, only 34% were encouraged to share their point of view.

A person’s point of view can be one of the most valuable contributions they make to the company. Don’t let crucial insights pass you by simply because there isn’t a platform for it. Create an environment in which your employees feel like they can offer input, send out an email asking for insights on certain projects, challenge your talent pool to speak up on their ideas.

 

5. “One minute you’re on top of the world, the next minute some secretary’s running you over with a lawn mower.”- Joan Holloway

Joan could not have said it better.The workplace can be unpredictable, your clients can be unpredictable, your employees can be unpredictable, the list of “unpredictables” goes on. Don’t dwell too long on matters that are out of your hands. In fact, dwelling for too long on a matter can hinder your work day.

In five studies, Wiltermuth and Cohen found that highly guilt-prone people tend to avoid joining interdependent partnerships with people they think are more competent than themselves. In an essence the guilty person feels that they are contributing less than the “more competent partner” and therefore cheating that person.

 

6. Michael Ginsberg: “I feel bad for you.”

   Don Draper: “I don’t think about you at all.”

The most important bit advice to take from Mad Men? The elevator scene in which Don burns angry copywriter Michael Ginsberg. The lesson is not to put down your employees (which Don certainly does here which we DO NOT recommend.) but to continue working even if someone puts you down.

Yes, the message was buried within Don’s monumental burn, but it’s a point that certainly isn’t lost on us. Work through criticisms, forget the naysayers and keep on keepin’ on. Check out these tips on handling criticisms in the workplace.

 

Now that you have had a healthy dose of inspiration, see how you can inspire your employees today! Make the rounds, see who could use a little constructive inspiration to liven up their productivity.