When it comes to brand leadership, I’d say there are many lessons to be learned from the iconic character Chandler Bing, brought to life by Matthew Perry in the TV show Friends. Matthew Perry and I first collided at the Equinox gym in West Hollywood, on neighboring treadmills that sparked somewhat of an electric connection. From then on, a series of fortuitous meetings unfolded, each etched into my memory. So, news of Matthew Perry’s untimely departure fills me with a poignant mix of emotions.
But amidst the melancholy, I believe Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing doles out five vital lessons on sculpting our own brands and captivating audiences worldwide.
First and foremost, Chandler Bing wielded the superpower of humor and quick wit. It was Matthew Perry’s razor-sharp comebacks and sardonic charm that captivated audiences around the globe. Matthew Perry helped shatter the Hollywood myth that to be funny, you had to be stupid. Instead, he showed us that humor and intelligence could coexist. So, I’d say that as leaders navigate the labyrinth of brand leadership, they must infuse humor into their interactions with audiences, no matter how serious or ‘intelligent’ their brand may be. Nielsen’s research shouts it loud: a whopping 75% of consumers prefer ads that make them laugh. Injecting humor into brand messaging will elevate your likability and cement a spot in your audience’s memory, resulting in amplified engagement and brand recall.
Next up, I distinctly remember how Chandler Bing had more commitment issues than a teenager breaking curfew. In the show Friends, his fear of locking-in leads to a series of comically awkward situations. This reminded me of the power of employee loyalty. As I’ve said before, your employees are your biggest brand ambassadors. Leaders must focus just as much on their employees needs as they do on their audiences needs. Gallup’s research seems to agree: engaged employees notch up productivity by a staggering 21% and kiss goodbye to absenteeism by 37%. By fostering a culture of dedication, accountability, and inclusion, you can craft a more committed workforce, ultimately enhancing your brand performance.
Chandler Bing’s tech-savvy profession showcased him as the brainiac of the gang, the one who embraced the digital revolution. Matthew Perry nailed this role and in turn underlined the power of tech prowess in staying ahead of the curve. PwC’s survey reveals a staggering 94% of CEOs consider digital tech the linchpin of their organization’s success. By harnessing data-driven insights and adopting cutting-edge technologies, brands can make more focused decisions, curate personalized customer experiences, and seize the competitive edge in an evolving market.
Last but not least, Chandler Bing showed us that among the constellation of strong characters and stars in the Friends ensemble, aka a crowded environment, you can indeed stand out. Matthew Perry demonstrated that charisma, combined with enormous passion and a dash of vulnerability, can make you not just noticed, but forever cherished. Indeed, being the beloved one is a strategic advantage.
What makes Matthew Perry even more remarkable is how he openly shared his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Over 1000 life-saving surgeries, 15 trips to rehab, and 6000 visits to AA meetings—his journey to recovery is nothing short of heroic. At one point, doctors gave him a mere 2% chance of survival. His candidness with his struggles not only created an even more vulnerable character on screen but also forged a profound connection with his audience. I believe this is a level of transparency that all brands should aspire to generate the kind of trust and connection that resonates with audiences today. As I write in my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle, it’s your flaws that make you fascinating so embrace yours.
By embracing humor, brands can signal a willingness to let their hair down, forging a genuine connection with their audience. Just like Matthew Perry’s embodiment of Chandler Bing, this connection stems from a shared human experience. I strongly believe that humor becomes a universal language, tearing down walls and uniting hearts and minds around your idea.
So, thank you, Matthew Perry, for being a beacon of humor and for showing us the universal power of laughter in captivating audiences worldwide. Rest in power, my friend. Your spirit will forever be celebrated.
Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right).
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