Previously on this blog, John Lane wrote about the brilliant, socially relevant show, Mad Men, using it to compare Advertising in the 1960s to Advertising in the age of Social Media. Today, anyone who is a fan of the program should breathe a sigh of relief with news that, after months of contentious negotiation, series creator Matthew Weiner has renewed his contract and will continue his unerring supervision of the show. It’s shocking to think that he was almost replaced. After all, he not only dreamt up the show’s distinctive concept, characters and tone, but also oversaw its day-to-day operations, allowing him to personally ensure a high level of quality. Under his watch, the show has received high critical acclaim, a loyal fan base, and multiple awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series (becoming the first series on basic cable to ever win the coveted prize).

Why does any of this matter? Because it’s an excellent example of how singularity – or what I call, “The Fingerprint Effect” – can foster wildly successful enterprises, not only in the world of entertainment, but specifically in the world of business as well. The Fingerprint Effect denotes a distinct mindset of ownership over one’s work, an adherence to a Big Picture goal, and the ability to inspire others to do the same.  It is not solely the domain of founders and CEOs, but something that is applicable to any employee within any business organization.  I’ll get to that part shortly.

In its broadest sense, the Fingerprint Effect defines the far-reaching effects of a business that is guided by a singular voice. It’s a personal touch that no committee or boardroom can imitate. These companies are not small mom-and-pop operations either (though they may have started as such).  In fact, they are some of the most influential corporate entities in the world. Imagine Google without Sergey Brin, Virgin without Sir Richard Branson, or Ben & Jerry’s without, well, Ben and Jerry. In the absence of these passionate individuals, their companies might have found some level of success on their own, but its doubtful it would compare to the grand scale they enjoy today.

By creating distinctive corporate cultures, “fingerprint” companies are able to endear themselves to customers and employees more effectively than others. Take the In-N-Out Burger chain. Family owned and operated since 1948, this company boasts a fervent and loyal customer base, and is one of the only fast food chains that pay its employees significantly more than minimum wage. With few radio ads and even fewer television spots, the company’s success is owed almost exclusively to word of mouth.

Another fingerprint company is Apple.  When news surfaced of Steve Jobs leave of absence from Apple due to health issues, it sent a shockwave through the business community, causing much hand wringing while stock prices plunged.  Apple’s corporate identity is so closely associated with its leader, that the health of one directly affects the well-being of the other. Jobs’ stewardship of the Apple brand is widely regarded to be the key factor in determining the company’s trend-setting design aesthetic, phenomenal market share growth, and track record for widespread technological innovation.

But here’s the flip side to all this singularity: these organizations cannot function with a workforce of one visionary person. They need armies of motivated employees. That’s thousands of people who are plugged into the Big Picture goals of their leaders and are committed to furthering their ideals. If the leader cannot inspire confidence in his/her employees, then all is lost. So, in many ways, the fingerprint company is only as good as its workforce.

Which brings me to my final point: it all comes down to the individual worker. To be truly successful, leaders don’t need followers they need other leaders. These are employees who are accountable, take ownership over their work and can think on their own.  These people are invaluable assets to the fingerprint company, and in some ways are just as responsible for their firms’ success as their leaders. After all, Matthew Weiner didn’t get his start on Mad Men – he was a writer on The Sopranos first. And that show’s visionary creator, David Chase, didn’t get his start on The Sopranos – he was a writer on The Rockford Files first.

Any business has the ability to become a fingerprint company, but the change has to come from within. Are you a leader or a follower?  Do you take ownership over your work?  Whether you’re in the mailroom or the boardroom, you have the ability to effect positive change within your business.

That, in and of itself, is your own personal Fingerprint Effect.