The ‘hard work trumps talent’ ethos damages the industry
Instead of celebrating overtime, celebrate the unique minds, ideas and approaches that give life to an agency, writes Ogilvy Sydney head of strategy Ryan O’Connell.
In recent times, I’ve seen a number of agency leaders spout mantras that could be best summarised by the catchy soundbite of “hard work trumps talent”.
Though it may have a touch more nuance to it than that, the intended outtake is essentially the same: “I’ll take someone who works hard over someone that’s talented, every day of the week.”
Please allow me to respectfully offer up a verbose, well-articulated counterpoint: No. Please, just . . . no.
