Retaining Knowledge Workers LO11852

Bbcompton@aol.com
Mon, 13 Jan 1997 00:10:03 -0500 (EST)

Replying to LO11829 --

Clyde makes a very good point about work: It's not about money (or at
least I think this is the case for the happiest people I know).

Last week we had a company-wide meeting with Novell's executive staff. I
sat on the front row and could hear a few comments some of the Sr. VPs
were making to each other. The topic of "bonuses" came up. The new 1997
bonus plan was reviewed by the Sr. VP of HR. People were asking all kinds
of questions, and running through all types of scenarios.

I finally said loud enough for the executive staff to hear me, "It's not
about money. It's about being trusted. It's about being allowed to be
creative. It's about making a meaningful contribution." The General
Counsel looked my way and smiled.

I don't give a hoot in hell about job titles or salary (except to the
extent that I'm not forced to go hungry). What I want is a job that allows
me to express my personality, my creativity, and be a part of something
meaningful. . .something that will better mankind. I've worked for money
before, as Clyde stated, and I found myself struggling to get out of bed
and go to work. The money wasn't worth it.

I will work for a purpose that I find meaningful. I will never work for
money again.

--

Benjamin B. Compton bbcompton@aol.com

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>