Hire and higher
A word from The Master:
Hire people who are better than you are, then leave them to get on with it. Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine.
There are many Ogilvyisms that float around my head, but this one has – until recently – sat quietly in the back of my brain, happy to be along for the ride.
After all, it stands to reason that if I don’t own a company, I’m not responsible for hiring and firing.
Yet without sounding too much like a corporate twerp, I think we ‘hire’ people all the time.
Currently, I’m responsible for a brilliant mega-leaflet we’re doing for a client in the education sector. The concept is supermarkets: the campaign is about communicating the range, convenience and simplicity – all in a trustworthy, affordable package. Because finding a course on Beekeeping should be as simple as buying a jar of honey.
It’s a good idea. But good ideas don’t make good campaigns unless they’re executed well.
So I hired a crack team.
Designer Rob came up with the idea for the front cover and inspired the lead headline. Creative Director James oversees the whole thing because he can visualise a good idea quicker than anybody. And Production Director Simon makes sure everything gets sent to the printers and distributors.
Today we shot the front cover image. Simon was behind the lens. James and I directed the shot. Simon even drove for miles to find that bloody metal shopping basket.
If the campaign goes well, the client will give me the credit.
I’ll happily take the credit, of course. For some brilliant hiring.