How I Went From Buddy to Boss and Reevaluated Leadership Techniques

Advice for anyone rising into a higher position from a peer-intensive one

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I remember the day clearly. Lee Clow asked me into his office, and we sat down on his two big leather chairs facing each other.

“We’re going to make you the ecd of the office,” he said. “I’m tired of dealing with everybody’s crap.”

Lee was the spiritual leader and creative force of the agency. In 2002, he was named worldwide creative director for the entire TBWA collective. He needed someone to take care of the day-to-day.

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This story first appeared in the Aug. 19, 2019, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.