What I learned from Mad Men
So Mad Men is officially over, and I'm not finished with it yet. Since April, I have become obsessed with this show that is filled with business, love, drama, and life lessons, and I have binged watched it since. I am currently on season 6, and I cannot wait to see what the last season has in store (no spoilers please!). Finding out that this show has come to end is definitely bitter, and not sweet at all.
I think one of the reasons why I have gained a true love for this show is because it is not just about love-filled drama, but in every single episode, I learn lessons that I can apply to my professional life. Here are the top things that I learned from watching Mad Men:
1. Learn & understand the value of networking.
In Mad Men, Don Draper and his team are seen networking heavily to get and sustain business. They can be seen on almost every episode taking clients out to dinner or lunch so that they can get to know them better and grow their relationship with their clients.
2. Take care of your employees.
When SC&P announced that they would merge with McCann Erickson, they had little support from their employees. This showed that it is important to take care of your employees, show them that they matter, and work hard to bring out the best in them. If you have a team, you have to take care of your employees if you want to keep them. Remember as I mentioned before, happy employees are the best employees.
3. Figure out what truly matters in life, and then go for it.
In the show, Don Draper was never completely satisified and at times he seemed stressed. It is important to figure out what you really want out of life, and then go for it; everything and everyone else is secondary. Do not let others drown out the sound of your dreams.
4. Find your inner creative self.
One of Don's famous quotes in the show was "Think as hard as you can about your problem, then forget about it and let your subconscious do the work." It is important to think outside of the box, figure out your passions, and let that help you figure out problems or be more innovative.
5. Open the doors that are waiting for you.
At all times, if you are a business owner or employee, it is important to head where the action is and to not be complacent. Don Draper, Pete Campbell, and Joan are all perfect examples of professionals that did not stay complacent and did not do what made them comfortable; they searched for more opportunities that came their way and seized them. One thing that I have learned is that it is sometimes not the best idea to stay in one place; exploring other opportunities will benefit you and will teach you many valuable lessons.
6. Figure out when it is time to quit and let go.
I have a friend that firmly believes in staying with one company and in the same position until she retires. While this may be the best idea for her, I don't believe that it is the best for most people. It is important that we are all are constantly evolving and learning, so being complacent with one company and by doing the same work will not benefit us professionally or personally. Also, as I mentioned above, it is important to take chances, and seize opportunities that come your way. One of the most important ways to grow is to recognize that when it's time to finish doing one thing and start another, then you should do just that. Don't hold on to something when its course has run out; by letting go and focusing on the next opportunity, you will develop and learn things that you wouldn't have before.