Anna Wintour’s secret to success

She is undoubtedly the most influential person in fashion and has headed US Vogue for almost 30 years. What is the secret of her unequalled success? In Winners And How They Succeed, a new book by Alistair Campbell, Anna Wintour shares her secrets. So pay attention.

getting fired

In 1975 Anna was fired as junior fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar and says that experience was very good for her career. “Everyone should get fired at least once in their lives”, thinks the Vogue Editor, because ‘perfection does not exist’. “It is important to have setbacks to deal with, because that’s the reality of life.”

Order and overview

Anna always has her affairs strictly in order thanks to her three assistants and disciplined character. That creates the peace and overview needed for easily keeping all 100,000 balls in the air.

Delegating

Anna names knowing when and to whom to delegate as another key to success. “People work better when they have more responsibility.” Anna can’t design a dress, photograph or write, but she does know how to manage the talent of others.

self confidence

Anna makes sure she always appears self-confident, even if she is not. She always tries to connect ideas quickly. ‘It makes it clearer for everyone else. Most people prevaricate. I decide fast.’

getting up at 5 am

The early bird gets the worm. And that surely applies to Anna Wintour. By 07.00 when we are slowly opening our eyes, this editor has already been hard at it for two hours. By the time the office begins to fill, she has  a few hours head start and you can never catch up with that.