Behind every great brand are the individuals that pull it together. David Ogilvy “cared” about his people and his clients. In the New York office I worked in we had a healthcare facility, a chair massage therapist sometimes came around, and if you had issues that needed addressing outside of the office, he supported your getting well.
In a June 15, 1991 New York Magazine article, “The Best of Times. The Worst of Times,” quoted David Meister of the Harvard Business School saying how little clients care about how smart you are until they know how much you care. In the consumate chase for space in the minds of consumers, it’s something David Ogilvy never forgot. His infamous Ogilvyism also quoted in the article, “The consumer is not a moron, she is your wife,” encompasses the cyclical nature and cultural imperative we must address on a daily basis when developing individuals and brands.
Never underestimate the importance of the mental, physical, and emotional fitness of your employees. In his books the Unpublished David Ogilvy, a tribute from a group of colleagues, he’s quoted as saying,”When people aren’t having any fun, they seldom produce good work. Kill grimness with laughter. Encourage exuberance. Get rid of sad dogs who spread gloom.” Does that mean he valued slackers? Not in the least. He had a long list of what his agency admired and wanted to cultivate. Does your brand have a comprehensive employee support program?
This section will offer links to sites by people who are helping people deal with stress, anxiety, and other common disturbances that can affect us at work.