By David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development, recently retired from Ogilvy after 45 years. This is an excerpt from his retirement speech.

1. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, recently retired from Ogilvy after 45 years.
10
Pearls of
wisdom for
working with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide
President of Learning & Development,
recently retired from Ogilvy after 45 years.
This is an excerpt from his retirement speech.

2. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Know
the people,
really
know them
understand, love
them and
what they
do.
―spend time with
them,
listen a lot,
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3. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
There is no
substitute for
bringing your best
peopLe
together for
memorable
learning
experiences,
a decent dinner
and the
chance
to
network.
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4. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Love and
know what
we do in
real detail:
we should be
as expert
as
possible.
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5. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Assume nothing.
Always
be curious.
Lot’s of asking;
“Why?”
4

6. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Learn something
new,
every day.
Admit it
when
you don’t know.
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7. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Smile and
be happy,
make work
fun
― not a
chore.
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8. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Avoid saying:
“the problem is.
”
Start with
“yes” and
“how can we do that?”
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9. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Tell
the truth;
cut the cliché’s and
the
bullshit and
that includes
when we
talk to
the senior
leadership.
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10. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Always
thank people
properly.
Really do.
Send
messages that people
treasure and
want to
share and keep.
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11. 10
Pearls of wisdom for
working
with and
leading people
by David Levitt, Former Worldwide President of Learning & Development
Keep your
promises.
Don’t avoid contact
when
there’s either nothing to add
or
the news isn’t
encouraging.
Follow
up.
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