There I was in Edinburgh, researching a book about the advertising man David Ogilvy, who went to the Fettes school, “the Eton of Scotland.” Known by Brits as Tony Blair’s school, its main building was the architectural model for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Witchery. J.K. Rowling lives in Edinburgh.
After several days of interviews, I was ready to enroll. I soaked it up. One of the masters suggested that I return the next morning for the daily ten-minute chapel service. He didn’t have to persuade me.
First, a great organ.
I’m a sucker for organs.
Then a hymn.
The girls marched in, wearing plaid skirts. The boys followed, in their striped chocolate and magenta (really!) blazers. Young voices rang out.
Finally, the Scottish chaplain.
“Today’s sermon is based on a business book. What They Don’t Teach You at the Harvard Business School.” That got my attention, since I knew the book and the author, Mark McCormick, the professional sports agent who founded the International Management Group with golfer Arnold Palmer as his first client. IMG signed top golfers, tennis players, and political luminaries like Margaret Thatcher. He and my boss Bill Phillips became pals and tennis opponents.
The chaplain said the book, which was on The New York Times best-seller list for 21 weeks, makes many helpful points. But it has three big lessons.
“First, admit your mistakes.”
He told a short anecdote to illustrate that point.
“Say you’re sorry.”
Another relevant example.
“Ask for help.”
One more example, and he was done. The organ sounded, and the fresh-faced kids marched out. Ten minutes!
I made my way to the chaplain and told him how much I enjoyed the service. I said that my boss gave McCormick the book’s title — originally as “What I don’t want the Harvard Business School to Teach My Daughter,” which McCormick adapted for his best-seller.
Great lessons …from the pulpit.
Taken from: https://www.ogilvy.com/ideas/admit-your-mistakes