Veksner: Is it okay to argue with your boss?
November 3 2014, 12:52 pm | | 3 Comments
By Simon Veksner
Creative Partner, DDB Sydney
The hierarchy in ad agencies isn’t quite as absolute as in the armed forces, but it’s not far off.
We’re all bright, friendly, ‘cool’ people… and yet our decision-making is surprisingly dictatorial.
But if you think about it, this does make sense. READ ON…
3 Comments
You’re forgetting one thing. The majority of ECDs barely have a foot in the creative department a toe if they ‘re remotely creative. They’re deeply immersed in the political arena: the suits, the strategists and of course the CEO and client.
You have to sell your idea to the ECD like you’re selling to a client. Always relate it back to the client’s expectations so he doesn’t get his arse kicked. You know deep down he’s a pussy so pretend that you’re looking out for him. See, you have to convince the ECD he will be the hero. That’s all they’re concerned about. Not your meaningless idea and what you think about it. You have to step out of your own egotistical world and into his. Make your ECD the adman he wants to be.
That’s really depressing 3:37. All the more so because it might be true.
A great Article. CDs do not change their minds and arguing with them is, in fact, pointless. What you mostly have to do is drink with them and make them feel accepted by the young and truly creative people. Laugh at their anachronistic jokes and attend all their social do’s, even when it’s a weekend away, staying at their shitty farm in Hicksville, in a tent. Offer your soul up as cannon fodder and smile broadly when it’s rejected. Hold a deep and abiding love for all the things that he cares about and ask about his 12 kids often and sincerely, like you really dig them as people. That’s how you get ahead, it’s not rocket science people.