A Mad Man?

My husband used to watch Mad Men all the time. 

I hated the show because of all of the womanizing. 

But now, as we rewatch episodes, I can ignore the storyline of men misbehaving and learn the profound lessons on human nature and business.

Mad Men is short for Madison Ave. 

Good ads are not only entertaining but they are based on deep human psychology and emotions. 

Recently we rewatched the show called “Commissions and Fees”. 

The CFO, a Brit, overstretches himself financially. 

(owes back taxes on selling a portfolio), 

but he is expecting a Christmas bonus. 

So rather than avoid humiliation,  he embezzles money from the company and 

forges Don Drapper’s signature on a check. 

but Christmas bonuses are not paid....

Had he just asked Don for a loan, he would have been fine. 

Instead he took the easier, less painful route. 

When he gets caught, Don's asks him, 

“If you needed [the money] so badly, why didn’t you ask?” 

Lane's response, “Why suffer the humiliation for a 13-day loan?!” 

This is why core values and living up to them, like trust and honesty, are hard. 

That’s the point. 

Great piece from Harvard Business Review - Make Your Values Mean Something

by Patrick M. Lencioni

When he gets caught, Don fires him. He can’t trust him. 

But for every action, there is an equal and opposite emotional reaction - Mark Manson 

After the firing, Don goes to his partner Roger pissed off about the firm not having the money to pay Christmas bonuses. 

Don tells Roger to get him a meeting with Dow Chemical.

He aggressively pitches to Dow they shouldn’t be satisifaction with just 50% of the market and with their current agency. 

The hero doesn’t resist the call, energy is created.

Don transforms and grows. 

Unfortunately, Lane, the CFO, instead of dealing with the humiliation of getting fired, 

kills himself. 

This is just a show but everyday, adults suffer humiliations big and small every day, in order to get what they want.

Had Lane just dealt with his embarrassment, borrowed the money, putting trust and honesty ahead of his humiliation, he would have grown but this doesn’t make for very good TV drama.

Back to the firing of the CFO pushes Don to realize he wants more and uses it as a catalyst for growth, and Don recaptures his hunger for success. 

We all should lead with our values.

Mine are honesty, trust, service, authenticity, and give more than I receive.

These values guide my every day decisions. Your values should too.

Thank you for reading!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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