This week I've spent half a decade at BBDO Worldwide. I could have never imagined that we would have experienced a pandemic, war in Europe and a recession during this time. But despite these challenges BBDO Nordics stand stronger than ever.
We've rebranded the agency, grown from 53 to 85 people, increased revenues by 70% and received more than 40 nominations for our work this last year alone.
I don't hold a promise of what the next five years will bring, but if I had the opportunity to travel back in time and give that less wrinkly version of myself some advice, then these would be it:
Always ask the "dumb questions": Don't presume that if you don't understand something, it is down to your lack of intelligence. It is more likely due to a problem in communication. So set the example by daring to ask the obvious question. Because if you don't understand something, chances are that the people around don't understand it either. By asking the "dumb questions", you make it ok for everyone to do the same. Which fosters a culture of learning, over a culture of appearances.
Learn to love your problems. You won't be able to create an environment where problems don't arise. The world is far too complex. So instead of getting beat down every time a new problems arise, realise that your role is not to ensure problems don't arise, but to make sure they don't grow too big. So learn to love your problems and make them your work.
Eat the frog early. My father in law Terry told me this and it is still the best leadership advice that I've received. Just like eating a frog, no one likes the idea of having to make a tough decision. I have had many sleepless nights these last five years, but not in one instance has a problem become better because I didn't make a decision. So deal with the uncomfortable early.
Be an elephant, not a crocodile. David Sandstrom told me this years ago. The idea is to have big ears, a small mouth and to use them in that proportion. What I've learned is that good executive decisions are the results of many different inputs. In essence, the more angles you have, the more informed your decisions will be. So make sure to listen actively, often and everywhere. That way you can stay consistent in your leadership.
Don't be afraid to show your weaknesses. Don't try to live up to an idealised idea of what a professional leader should be like. Because in the real world no one wants to work with a perfect leader. They want to work with genuine leader that cares, blemishes and all. So don't be afraid to show your weaknesses, even it it shows that some late afternoons you become a human labrador.
We not me oriented. The success of BBDO will never be down to one individual. Rather a team of talented people who come in to work everyday hell bent on creating inspiring work! So be ruthless with hiring people who are both nice and talented. Then lead by leaving your ego at the door and work hard to make other people shine. Ps. You guys rock!
Co-Président/Marcel
3moBravo 🔥