While 'Mad Men' is about work and life at an advertising agency, albeit in a by-gone era, there is stuff that happens within its episodes that is pretty relevant in today's workplace. What can we imbibe from 'Mad Men' at work?
SPOILER WARNING
‘Fighting’ for what you want
Don’t be afraid to make a stand or speak for yourself. Busy managers and seniors often need a reminder as to who is actually doing a good job. So go ahead and ask for the recognition you deserve; a promotion or a higher salary. However, NEVER act as if you have all the right to make demands. (Actually, you do…just don’t behave that way!). Be very polite and respectful and ask for what you know you deserve.
Peggy in ‘Mad Men’ has to consistently prove herself as capable and deserving. She makes sure she stays abreast of what is happening on the work front and goes ahead and asks for a promotion to copywriter.
Strategize
Make a stand for yourself. However, choose carefully what is worth sticking your head out for and what isn’t. Your credibility with your bosses and your colleagues depends on this. That you were instrumental in bringing in new clients and fresh revenue is worthy of a fight. That the coffee served in office is undrinkable is best kept to yourself. Switch to tea!
Pete Campbell in ‘Mad Men’ believes he was born boss of all and makes sure everybody knows about it regardless of what the issue really is.
Romance at your own risk
Feel free to have an office romance. There’s nothing new about it anyway. But think twice; it just may not be another day in paradise. Thrills there may be but awkward, embarrassing and downright humiliating ineffectively describe the kind of situations you could possibly find yourself in. Work pressures aside, the pressures of romance in the office could wreck havoc. So tread carefully.
Romance blossoming into marriage, extra marital affairs, and other more murky incidents…..’Mad Men’ has it all. (‘Mad Men’ also has commercial breaks and a specified time slot.)
Stay on your toes
The need for a team with vision and purpose will always be there. And with fresh talent coming in and leaders willing to pay, the last thing you want to do is to relax and take it easy. No one is indispensable so keep yourself ahead of the rest.
Roger Sterling, big client champion in ‘Mad Men’, sees his own protégé, Pete Campbell, surpassing him as the years pass.
Mix and mingle out of office
Socialize, meet up with colleagues, spend happy hour together. With shirt sleeves rolled up and a drink in hand, people slowly take off the masks they wear to office. Relationships are formed and rapports developed; factors that can make a significant difference at a later stage. And, of course, office becomes a happier place to work in.
Peggy tells her boss in ‘Mad Men’ she has, unlike some people, work to do and has to leave his party. Party away but know your limits.
Dress sharp
The ‘stubble on the face look’ rarely hits it off with seniors or bosses. Keep yourself well groomed and dress appropriately for the work place. You don’t necessarily need to wear a tailor fitted suit, just show that your appearance matters to you.
‘Mad Men’ portrays impeccably dressed people all through. (Probably because the show is set in the 1960s, before jeans and T-shirts became popular.)
