A Little Respect (And Understanding) Goes A Long Way

When I was a young copywriter at a big agency, one of the first things I learned was "the client's an idiot."

Didn't sell your big idea? The client's an idiot. Got edits to your brilliant headline? The client's an idiot. Photo shoot got canceled in favor of stock illustration? The client's an idiot.

One day it was my turn to vent and I honestly don't recall the exact words I said but my guess is that it was similar to "the client's an idiot." Right then a wise industry vet (which in the ad agency world could be a sage, weathered 31 year old who's been around the block a time or two) stopped me and said:

"The minute you say something bad about the client is the minute you stop doing your best work for them."

That line hit me like a water-logged Louisville Slugger to the side of the head and I've carried it around with me ever since. Whether it's an external client you're working for, or an internal client, or a boss, or a member of your own team, the minute you say something bad about them is the minute you stop doing your best work for (or with) them.

That "idiot" that you really know nothing about graduated from Princeton and has traveled the world. That lady "who wouldn't know a great idea if it hit her in the face" has a lifetime pass to the art museum and can speak intelligently about every great painter and painting of the last 400 years. That "humorless curmudgeon" who didn't laugh at your headline is going through a bitter divorce and fighting every day just to see his kids.

Everyone gets a clean slate with me. I guess I'm an empath. It's important to read the room, read the situation, live in the moment rather than the past (or the perceived). I'm not saying it's easy and I'm not saying I've always succeeded. There are certainly people I've worked with who I'll just never agree with, but you can't let it affect your work or your deliverables - including those you owe to him/her. It ends up saying more about you than it does about them.

In summary, find a way to respect the people you work with. Find a commonality and build on it. Understand them. Everyone is worthy of a clean slate and a fair shot at a good day. In fact, maybe you'll find a way to bring out the best in someone. Now wouldn't THAT be a great legacy to leave behind?