Who on Your Staff Will Tell You Your Baby’s Ugly?
May 25th, 2006
I found this in the Brains on Fire archives. It was once a part of our pitches, and I still love the way it reads…
Your identity is like a baby. Like any parent, you want people to smile when she comes into a room. You want her to be loved, admired, respected by all she meets. You want her to do you proud.
If you’re like most corporate parents, you hire some professional spin-meisters to help her along – they dress her up, do her hair and nails, write her some cute little speeches. And you know what? It doesn’t always work.
A lot of corporate parents – more than you’d ever know – remain blissfully unaware until trouble slaps them in the face. They suddenly find that grades are slipping. No one invites their precious to birthday parties anymore. Or worse, a truant officer knocks on the door. Or they get a call from the local jail.
The reason? She may be truly ugly. 
Or she may be totally beautiful, but dumb as a post. Or have bad breath. Or cuss like a sailor. She may pick her nose when she thinks no one’s looking. Or lie to all her friends and steal their toys. But you, proud corporate parent, are way too close to recognize it. Your employees sure aren’t gonna say anything…at least not to your face. And the spin-meisters? They’re so proud of their wardrobe and make-up job, they can’t stand themselves. And besides, what are you paying them for anyway?
Fact is, you need someone who cares enough about you to tell you the truth. Someone who takes the time to watch your kid in action, and knows what to look for. Someone who can get honest answers out of her teachers, playmates, sitters and neighbors. Someone who can discover the real issues that are impeding her success and propose solutions that aren’t skin-deep. More importantly, someone with the talent, passion and range of resources necessary to transform your baby into the brand you always knew she could be.
Other posts by Spike.
