Sustainable Excellence Xtras - #93 - 1960s Beliefs and Expectations with David Ogilvy

Do you know what your personal and professional beliefs and expectations are?

If someone asked you what you stood for, what would you tell them? If someone questioned what the expectations of your job are, how would you respond?

In 1964, at an end-of-the-year company party, David Ogilvy, the CEO of one of the most prestigious advertising agencies in the world, Ogilvy & Mather, gave a talk about what behaviors were admired within the company. Here is his list:

1. People who work hard.

2. People who are thinkers.

3. People who avoid (office) politics. 

4. People who act professionally.

5. People who hire subordinates who are good enough to succeed them.

6. People who build and develop their subordinates.

7. People who practice delegation.

8. People with gentle manners.

9. People who are well-organized.

10. People who are good citizens in their community.

If the head of your company were to give that same talk at the year-end holiday party, would he or she list the same behaviors? If not, what behaviors would they include?

Please watch the video below for a more detailed look at the behaviors David Ogilvy described and the one behavior that was despised within the company.

​Also, please leave me a comment about the behaviors that you believe are admired and rewarded in your company.