It was an ad for Trident. It said “4 out of 5 Dentists recommend Sugarless Gum for their patients who chew gum.” I had the TV on in the background and smiled with this memory from my “youth.”
Years ago I would have been impressed with the 4 and probably started eating sugarless gum. Last night I wanted to know about #5. Who was he or she? Why didn’t they go along with the herd? Is #5 rogue? Is #5 right? Is #5 crazy? Does #5 know something that the other 4 do not? Was number 5 ahead of the curve? Did #5 think the whole study was ridiculous and didn’t matter one way or another? I really want to know more about #5.
I was listening to this commercial while preparing handouts for a presentation next week with a fast food giant. While most companies are cutting back and spending less money on staff development and employee training, this giant thinks that even in lean times keeping employee morale high, sharpening employee skills, and celebrating success should still be high on the priority list. Keeping employees motivated to succeed is more important than ever. So next week we’re taking a Recess.
Naturally I couldn’t agree more with the fast food giant; now more than ever organizations need to be doing whatever possible to keep people loyal and happy while working hard for you. I’m also thinking that management at the giant and that dentist #5 could be good friends.
