A creative director I respect wrote a blog post about agencies that play in softball leagues. She made a connection between their success on the field to the lack of success of their work. You know, short man’s syndrome, or the idea that anyone who drives a Corvette is compensating for a deficit in another area of his life — or body. I don’t know of any research that will support her position. On the other hand, I know a lot of really good athletes who go to work at an advertising agency every day.
That’s why I thought it was a great idea when our business manager, Kevin Gehrer, suggested we participate in the Wichita Corporate Challenge this year. It meant that several of us would participate in activities that in distant memory displayed our athletic prowess, but now require ice packs and Ben-Gay. So, we dusted off our sneakers and made sure our affairs were in order. And we did things that were good for our bodies and that was exciting.
We competed — and I use that term loosely — in about half the events which were both athletic and recreational. Volleyball, basketball, foot races and a bike race as well as mini golf, bowling, billiards and a long walk. By the aforementioned creative director’s measure, our work is outstanding. In fact, it’s the best our city has to offer. We weren’t greatly successful in every event but we created something I’d hoped for: camaraderie and lots of fun.
It’s possible to compare a company our size to a family. Each of us have different personalities, roles and motivations but we all have a common goal: success for ourselves and the group. I was able to get to know each Jajomie a little better after our two-week challenge and our experience reminds me of the adage: The family that plays together stays together. Not only are we successful advertisers but we were successful as a team because we learned some things about ourselves that will allow us to be better for our clients. And that’s success where I come from.
But next year, we’re winning it all.