WHICH COMES FIRST— ME OR THE COMPANY?

WHICH COMES FIRST— ME OR THE COMPANY?

Organizations seem to fall into one of two camps. Those that are run by individuals that are primarily concerned about enriching themselves and those whose focus is more about doing the same for the organization. These are two very different perspectives and create two very different cultures.

At some point every one of us must decide whether it is best to put the company first or ourselves first. As a leader this is one of the most important decisions we will ever make. Our upbringing, peer group, personal proclivities and needs, particular situation and individual experiences are all variables that can impact our decision.

As I observe and read about other organizations, it is clear that many leaders are driven by getting as much as they can from the company as quickly as possible. Their focus is short-term gratification at the expense of long-term sustainability. We have all seen movies and read books about these individuals. There are many less famous leaders who choose to behave the same way. It can be a very attractive option. This is not about doing anything illegal. This is about a particular worldview. Many financial people are totally about buying, making dramatic changes and then turning companies to great success. There is no particular allegiance to any company-just the cash it generates and the value it creates for them. Leaders of companies can also play this game. They arrive at a company with a "me" focus that's exacerbated by a well-negotiated salary package and lots of stock options. Their concern for the company goes only as far as the wealth it can potentially create for them. This drives their decisions.

Alternatively, there is the company first approach. This leader's primary focus is the long-term survivability and prosperity of the company-even at the expense of short-term results. This leader's pay package may be very much the same as mentioned above but the focus of the leader is less about the pay and more about the company's long-term success. Satisfaction is primarily derived from participating in the long-term success of the organization. This drives their decisions.

Change has always been with us but not as swift and brutal as today's. Today rare is the person who will not or who has not changed jobs many times during their career. Just as rare is the person who has not been betrayed, let down or demeaned in at least one of these job experiences. Loyalty and security too often seem to be a thing of the past. Trusting in the organization and putting it first certainly leaves us open to disappointment. Is it any wonder that so many choose the "me" approach?

Speaking only for myself, and as one who has certainly been betrayed, lied to and taken advantage of by supposedly "good" people, there is no doubt that, as tempting as the alternative might be at times, the company must come first. I want to align myself with a company that fits my value set and whose leaders are about long-term growth. I want to achieve great things with a team of like-minded individuals who are focused on growing market share and profitability. For me it is about the company. Finding the right company is the key and worth the pain and suffering that all too often is part of the process. Money is important but achievement in a principled environment with a long-term focus really rocks!

Each of us must decide for ourselves which approach is best.