"Mad Men", Business and Success

The hit AMC cable television show “Mad Men” about the lives of those who work for a fictional Madison Avenue advertising agency in 1960 and now 1962 provide more insights into the work place of 2008 than one might think. In fact, the characters in “Mad Men” provide a series of examples of what to do and not do to be successful today and in the future.

The lead character, Don Draper, who plays the Creative Director at Sterling Cooper Agency, is a good example of business leadership. At the workplace, Don is cold blooded and all business. He is demanding of his subordinates and his pears. Additionally, his spends little time with small talk and befriending co-workers. In fact, his only friend in the office is his boss, Roger Sterling who is a partner in the agency. Although Don’s personal life may be a disaster, he does not let it impact his professional performance.

Roger Sterling, although a Partner in the ad firm, allows his vices to override his focus on his professional life. His warm relationship with Don, his subordinate is a stark contrast to Don’s relationships with his peers and those who work for him. The impact of these frailties is never more clear than when the Founding Partner, Bertram Cooper, offers a bonus check to Don, but it is clear that there is no bonus check waiting for others including Roger.

The office manager, Joan Holloway, like Don is cold and to the point with her charges – the secretaries and support personnel – in the office. She is demanding and spares no one. It is evident that she has no friends in the office although she has been involved with the men at various levels of the company in the past. Unfortunately, in spite of how well she does her job, she does not see part the current role she and those who work for her play.

Unlike Joan, Peggy Olson, who has been promoted from Don’s secretary to Junior Copywriter, sees potential beyond the role she was hired to perform. Through a combination of her hard work, drive and initiative, she moves from an entry level role to one on peer with most of the men. She sees beyond the present and takes steps to carve out a future for herself.

The characters in “Mad Men” even have lives outside of the office. One is of particular interest. Ken Cosgrove, an account executive is a writer. In an early episode draws the attention and the ire of his co-workers for having an article published in “Atlantic Monthly”. No matter how successful you are – or are not in the office – it does not hurt to pursue your passion beyond the work day.

The Art Director in the series, Salvator Romano is interesting not only because he is the only apparent gay character but because he is stands out as being truly creative among a group of so-called creative people at Sterling Cooper. Additionally, no matter how big or small changes are required by others at the ad agency or their clients, Salvator seems always ready to please. He delivers what is needed and by when it is due to keep both the clients and his co-workers happy.

Last but certainly not least in the world of “Mad Men” is founding Partner Bertram Cooper. He is eccentric and yet successful. He is, as is said today, “comfortable in his own skin”. Outspoken, found of all things Japanese and intolerant of those who smoke in a world of smokers, he is his own man. We are led to believe that his eccentricities are not a result of his success but rather one of the reasons for it.

Additionally Bertram is notable for his indifference to Don’s background. Overly ambitious Don Draper wannabe Pete Campbell digs up some dirt about Don’s true identify and takes it to Cooper in hopes that it will be to the advantage of his career. Bertram makes clear that he cares more about job performance than someone’s background (although he does value Pete’s lofty family connections). It’s not necessarily who you are but rather what you do.

While the boozy, smoky and sexist world of 1960-1962 as depicted in “Mad Men” seems as outdated as the typewriters sitting on the secretaries’ desks, business is still about people, relationships, customers and performance. The good – and not so good – skills, traits and business practices depicted on “Mad Men” can teach us about what it takes to be successful in business in 2008 and beyond.

George F. Franks, III is the founder and President of Franks Consulting Group, a management consulting and leadership mentoring practice. George has over twenty-five years of experience working with businesses, the U S government and nonprofit organizations plus their leaders. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants (USA). He can be contacted at: gfranks@franksconsultinggorup.com
Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com