At Ogilvy & Mather, founder David Mather established the practice of sending each new branch head a nested set of wooden dolls-each doll opens to reveal a smaller replica of the doll. Inside the smallest is a message: "If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs; but if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, Ogilvy & Mather will become a company of giants."1
David Mather, the founder of Ogilvy & Mather, initiated a unique tradition for new branch leaders, gifting them a set of nested wooden dolls. Each doll represents a smaller version of the one outside, and the smallest doll contains an important message that emphasizes leadership and hiring practices. This tradition highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with capable individuals to foster growth.
The message within the dolls warns against hiring those who lack ambition or capability. It suggests that selecting talented and ambitious individuals for a team leads to greater success, turning the company into a powerful entity. This philosophy encourages leaders to aim for excellence in their hiring choices, promoting a culture of strength and achievement.
