In building Hawke Media, I’ve learned that success often comes down to three simple principles: Get shit done, learn quickly, and be cool. These aren’t just catchy phrases we’ve plastered on our office walls—they’re the fundamental values that guide everything we do.
The first value, “get shit done,” might sound obvious, but it’s astonishing how many people and organizations struggle with basic execution. I’ve sat through countless meetings where teams spend hours discussing what needs to happen without actually making anything happen.
My favorite example of this execution gap is what I call “moving the chair.” It goes something like this:
- I’m thinking about moving the chair
- I’m planning on moving the chair
- I have a meeting about moving the chair
When all you really need to do is just move the damn chair. Just do it. This simple example perfectly illustrates the difference between action-takers and those who get stuck in planning paralysis.
Adaptability Is Non-Negotiable
Our second core value, “learn quickly,” addresses the reality of today’s business landscape. The marketing world moves at lightning speed, with new platforms, algorithms, and consumer behaviors emerging constantly.
When we hire, we look for people who can adapt and absorb new information rapidly. The ability to learn quickly has become more valuable than specific technical skills that might become outdated in a year or two. We need team members who can pivot when necessary and stay ahead of industry changes.
The Human Element Matters
Finally, “be cool” might sound casual, but it’s perhaps our most important value. This isn’t about style or trying to create some hip agency vibe. It’s about being a decent human being.
Let’s be honest—we’re not curing cancer here. (Though I’d love for us to market the cure someday!) Since we’re in the business of marketing, we should enjoy what we do and who we do it with. Life’s too short to work with jerks, no matter how talented they might be.
When we say “be cool,” we mean:
- Treat colleagues and clients with respect
- Maintain a positive attitude even under pressure
- Support your teammates when challenges arise
- Leave your ego at the door
These three values create a powerful framework for success. When you have a team that executes efficiently, adapts to change, and maintains positive relationships, you’ve got the foundation for something special.
I’ve found that these principles apply far beyond just building an agency. They’re relevant for startups, established corporations, and even personal projects. The ability to execute, adapt, and maintain positive relationships will serve you well in virtually any context.
So next time you find yourself in a meeting about moving a chair, remember to just get up and move it. Learn what you need to know to do it better next time. And be cool about the whole process. That’s how real progress happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you develop these three core values for Hawke Media?
These values emerged organically from observing what made our most successful team members thrive. We noticed that people who could execute without excessive deliberation, adapt to new situations quickly, and maintain positive relationships consistently outperformed others. We formalized these observations into our core values to guide our hiring and operations.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in implementing the “get shit done” mentality?
The biggest challenge is breaking people out of the planning and meeting cycle that many corporate environments instill. Many professionals are trained to document, discuss, and get approval rather than take initiative. Helping team members understand when to act independently versus when to seek input requires clear guidelines and consistent reinforcement.
Q: How do you hire for the ability to “learn quickly”?
During interviews, we ask candidates about times they had to master new skills under pressure. We also present them with unfamiliar problems to see how they approach learning something new. Additionally, we value candidates who show curiosity by asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating they’ve researched our company and industry before the interview.
Q: Does “be cool” ever conflict with maintaining professional standards?
Not at all—being cool and being professional complement each other. Being cool means treating others with respect and kindness, which enhances professionalism. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work, which actually leads to better client relationships and work product.
Q: How do these values translate to remote work environments?
In remote settings, these values become even more important. “Get shit done” means being self-motivated without direct supervision. “Learn quickly” involves proactively seeking out information and solutions when you can’t simply turn to a colleague at the next desk. And “be cool” translates to clear, respectful communication and giving teammates the benefit of the doubt when misunderstandings occur in digital conversations.
