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Think like an owner.

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Yesterday, our CEO called a meeting of the entire department. He displayed a slide on the screen: "THINK LIKE AN OWNER." I sat closer. For the first time in a long time, the meeting's title suggested I might leave with something more than just an extra task. I took out a pen. - I'd like us to change our approach to work, the director began. - We can't function in a way where everyone only looks at their own job description. I liked it even more. The job description was one of my favorite documents. Right after the salary notification. - We need an ownership approach. Responsibility. Commitment. Long-term thinking. I want everyone to treat this company like their own. I raised my hand. The director smiled. - I'm listening, he said. - When will we get our shares? His smile stayed. But it stopped growing. - We're not talking about those things right now, he replied. - I'm sorry, I heard "like my own" and moved toward ownership straightaway. - It's about attitude. - he explained. - So, no shares? - No. I wrote down, "Shares: none." - Will there be any profit sharing? I asked with genuine curiosity. - The bonus system remains unchanged for now. I wrote it down as well. The CEO looked at my notebook. - What are you writing down there? - Entry requirements. The CEO went on to give an example. - Imagine it's 4 p.m., and an important project hasn't been completed. A person who thinks only like an employee closes their computer and leaves home. It actually was very detailed description of my plan for this afternoon. - However, the owner is wondering what he can do to get the job done. - That's because he has a stake in the outcome. I said. - Because he feels responsible! He replied. - One doesn't exclude the other. We could suggest he give up his shares and be left with just the responsibility. We'd see at what time he leaves. - Do you really have to boil everything down to money? Asked CEO. I looked around the room, the office, Monday morning, nine people who came here instead of staying home. - I think that's a pretty important part of aproach you suggested. The HR woman decided to help. - It's about a sense of influence. So that employees know they can actually shape the organization. Hmm... That sounded better. - So we'll have influence on profit distribution? - Not in that sense. - On the management board? - Neither. - On salaries? - You can submit proposals. I could also submit a proposal to lower prices in the Walmart, but that didn't make me a co-owner of it. I looked at my notebook. "Shares: none." "New financial benefits: none." "Decision-making rights: none." "Additional involvement: not defined upper limit." I started to understand what the offer is. I didn't feel offended. If I could get nine extra evenings for one sentence on a slide, I would also test the market's interest. The problem was that I was on the wrong side of the negotiation table. - This is an investment in your future, the director said. - If the company grows, everyone benefits. - The company had record results last year. I said. - Exactly. - However during the salary rise negotiation, you said that the company's results don't automatically translate into my salary. A dead silence fell. I always thought it's worth to remember things like that. People underestimate how much you can save with a good memory. The director put down the remote. - I don't want this meeting to turn into a salary negotiation. - Me neither. Right now, I'm trying to figure out what my position really is in this company. - You're an important part of the team. - But when I have to stay overtime, I'm supposed to be the owner? - You just have to demonstrate responsibility like the owner. - But when it comes to share the profit, am I going back to be employee again? He paused for a while, I didn't wait to let him continue and asked immediately. - Please clarify which hours apply to which role. I wouldn't want to mistakenly act like the owner when paying out the dividend. The CEO, with a clearly embarrassed face, ended the meeting by saying: - Think about it, we will come back to this topic. When we were leaving, he stopped me at the door. - You didn't have to jump out with all of that, out of a sudden. - Sir, I was thinking like an owner, just like you suggested. - What do you mean? - That is simple Sir. Before I invest additional time and resources, I need to know what I'm getting in return. He looked at me with strange expression. I couldn't tell if the look on his face was disbelief, horror, or both. I really hoped he'd appreciate effort I've made to implement his suggestion. - Just do your job well, he finally said. - As usual? Within the same scope? - Yes. - Within the same hours? - Fine, let's just get this over with! I agreed with a nod of my head and left. Negotiations shouldn't be prolonged after favorable terms have been reached. At 4 p.m. I turned off my computer. The project CEO had mentioned did indeed require some more work. I left stick note telling me what I'd start with tommorow in the morning. As I was leaving, I saw CEO in his office. He was still sitting there clearly tense. Very good, I thought to myself. He should treat the company like his own and definitely start act like an owner. submitted by /u/sh00l33 [link] [comments]

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