On Sunday evening, season four of AMC’s ever-so-popular Mad Men series came to its conclusion. While many viewers have focused on the foibles of Don, Roger and Pete, I’m thoroughly captivated by Joan Holloway Harris. Any woman operating in today’s business world (especially interns, summer associates and new hires) can learn tons from Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s newly promoted director of Agency Operations, including:

 

Dress appropriately for your workplace. Let’s face it, when it comes to dressing for work, men have always had it easier. During the Mad Men era, guys knew to wear a suit and tie to the office. In today’s business casual world, men are generally safe wearing khakis and golf shirts to work. Because women have so many more options, it’s easier for us to make a mistake. You can be sure that the one mistake Joan Holloway Harris will never make is to wear an overly revealing outfit to work. (It's bad business etiquette.) She’s proof positive that a woman can cover-up everything and yet still exude sex appeal.

 

Study other people. If she’s nothing else, Joan Holloway Harris is a student of the people who inhabit her office. She can predict the wants and needs of key decision-makers within the advertising agency. And she anticipates the likes and dislikes of the firm’s important clients and prospects. Because of her knowledge, she’s able to mentor members of her staff. Who can forget the advice she offered to Peggy Olson when she started work: Always keep a supply of rye, aspirin, band-aids and a needle and thread on hand for your boss, and remember, “Men love scarves.” 

 

Knowledge equals power. Following her marriage, Joan Holloway Harris briefly left Sterling Cooper.  Some months later, when Don, Bert, Roger and Lane decided to stage a coup, they quickly realized they couldn’t succeed without Joan’s help. She alone had in-depth knowledge of all of the firm’s departments and all of the firm’s clients. She identified the material the new start-up would need in order to succeed, and she helped move it out quickly. Joan gained credibility by running the secretarial pool effectively and efficiently. She became indispensable by acquiring in-depth knowledge of the entire firm.    

 

Don’t ask, don’t get. If you haven’t seen Sunday’s episode, I regret to inform you that although Joan receives a new title, she does not receive a pay raise. For now, she seems accepting of this, describing the new title as “almost an honor.” Like many other businesswomen, she seems to feel that workplaces are meritocracies, where one will eventually be rewarded for their good work. I suspect, sooner rather than later, the proverbial light will go one over Joan’s head. When it comes to work, Joan has always known what she wants. I won’t be surprised when she begins to seek pay that’s commensurate with her performance. She’ll be quick to recognize that she’s unlikely to receive the salary she deserves without asking for it.  I bet Joan will soon both ask and get. 

 

I’m fascinated with all of Sterling Cooper’s employees. But if you really want to learn how to get ahead in the world of work, watch Joan. She knows.