Whether or not an employee stays with us because of fear or because they think we are giving them an opportunity of a lifetime, is a matter of perspective. The

Whether or not an employee stays with us because of fear or because they think we are giving them an opportunity of a lifetime, is a matter of perspective. The question that may lay at the heart of this is what drives that optimistic vs cynical view? I would argue context. Let me start by saying that I believe people are loyal to people, not things (ie companies). I believe we could agree that loyalty isnt something that reasonable people should expect. It is earned. I believe we could agree that loyalty is a two-way street. That it is unfair / irrational / unreasonable that a manager should expect loyalty from its employees without reciprocating that loyalty to them (which can be done in many many different ways outside of comp) While I can fire anyone on the spot and they can leave at any time they want, I believe the reality of life, people and social creatures operating in a free and just society are a little more complicated than that. I hate the idea of busting my ass for someone out of loyalty for them and our cause and not being recognized for it. There is a point at which doing that consistently migrates from loyalty to abuse. I've been there. I choose not be that kind of manager. There is a potential that I am, which is why I do my best to communicate broadly my commitment to being fair, principled and rationale. Alas, there is definitely a potential that I am making mistakes too. Personally, I can see it in their face, tone, passion, and gratitude that the people we sponsored are loyal and it motives me to go above and beyond for them in moments where all reasonable people can agree I shouldnt / didnt have to / was above and beyond the call of duty. It manifests itself in subtle ways, like hanging around the office a little bit longer every day to couch them. Or giving them unlimited paid vacations (which no one has ever abused), Investing more in their development and training, or, investing in the companies they leave to start (which is what my managers for me when I left to start our company). Loyalty is very, very real and when it is present, it creates an incredible bond between people. I will drop almost anything I am doing for my team and I am confident almost everyone on the team would do the same. In that, there is an implicit trust that this commitment to each other will be valued and not abused. When that line is crossed, it is crossed and loyalty is compromised. Quick random aside: to this day, I know the name of the man who sponsored some poor Greek kid who had a penchant for math 50 years ago to start a new life in America. Had that person not done that, this conversation and my existence would not have happened. I havent seen Yannis since I was a little kid and he probably hasnt thought of me in decades. As random and weird as this sounds, part of why I enjoy sponsoring people is that it thrills me to pay that forward and know I could potentially have a similar impact on someone's life. I believe that makes me loyal to him in some way. A bit irrational perhaps, but it makes me feel good. Rant over. Thank you for listening.