Accentuate the positive... eliminate the negative

We recently asked the workforce of a client of ours who has admittedly been going through some tough times (really tough) in recent years "What 3 words spring to mind when describing the organisation?" 

The words they came up with were overwhelmingly negative. No great surprise, we knew the workforce was likely to be in a fairly low place.

We also asked "What makes you proud to work here?"  We then analysed the results in terms of what they said. Over 80% of the comments were positive in tone with just over 10% negative and the balance neutral. 

Despite the negativity there was a hunger and a will to find something positive to say - and most people managed to do just that. It's an interesting insight into the need we have to feel part of something which we can align ourselves to and be a proud of.

That's where an organisation with the integrity to live the values grounded in their brand comes into play surely?

Out of the mouths of clients......

Here at Woodreed, we love and respect our clients, but sometimes we affectionately giggle when they assume the role of a Creative Director.

I have always made a habit of noting down some of more humorous comments clients have made when reviewing creative.

Here are just some of them:

"I could have done that logo on my PC!""

"Nothing like a bit of drop shadow"

"I don't like green, it reminds me of my Auntie Hilda's cardigan"

"I like it, but I'll see what my wife says tonight, she likes interior design"

"Can you try it on two lines so it looks like a cat's face (I love cats!)"

"Can you incorporate the Union Jack into it?"

"How would that work on a pair of gloves?"

"Can you tell me the typeface, then I can 'ave a go at it?"

"It reminds me of a colon"

"I love it, but can you try it in a different typeface, a different colour, not use the roundel and try it in a square (and use caps)?"

"Do you know what, it looks like someone picking their nose!"

"is that a Letraset font?"

'"I know it's got to appeal to kids, but it is slightly infantile"

"I wish I could doodle"

"So, you've given me 12 ideas...is that it?"

"How would that work on the radio?"

Has anybody got any more?