þÿ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"><head><title></title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=unicode"> <meta content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.6003" name="GENERATOR"></head> <body> <table cellspacing="0" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td nowrap="" width="850" background="http://www.tomwurtz.com/twc/pics/emailtop.jpg" colspan="2" height="203" cellpadding="0"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="247" background="http://www.tomwurtz.com/twc/pics/emailleft.jpg" height="496" cellpadding="5px"> <center><img height="156" alt="Business Offerings" src="http://www.tomwurtz.com/twc/pics/busofferings.jpg" width="187"> <img alt="Book Cover" src="http://www.tomwurtz.com/twc/pics/emailbook.jpg"> <img alt="Quote" src="http://www.tomwurtz.com/twc/pics/quote.jpg"> </center></td> <td valign="top" width="599" cellpadding="10px"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Courier New'">FREEMEN &amp; ROW CLASH ON<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Courier New'">EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION ISSUES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Who is Marcus Row? (I Hate That Guy!)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Each leadership lesson is told through the eyes of a fictitious American patriot - Thomas Freemen. Due to a freak of nature, Thomas has been alive since 1737. He is stuck at the age of thirty-seven. Freemen are passionate about teaching the secrets of Eagle leadership and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Noble Pursuit of Profits</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">For 273 years, Freemen has been battling his arch-rival Marcus Row. Row has the unique ability to surface at every event where Freemen is presenting his leadership and decision-making positions. It always comes down to a confrontation between these two rivals. For the past 100 years, Row has been surprisingly successful in winning the majority of the debates. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Each week you will be presented with a leadership challenge. You will read of Freemen's and Row's position on each challenge and you will then be challenged to call your own play. All the facts in these stories will be true, but the story is just a story - I think.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">*         <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1">          </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1">          </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1">          </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1">          </span>*<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">T</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">his week's lesson finds Freemen and Row in the middle of a compensation debate at a heated local corporate meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">The executives were in a surly mood as they began to tackle the uncomfortable task of deciding if they should alter their current compensation program for their employees. Tensions were high as the executives debated a topic that terrified them to their core - conflict. Since all the leaders pray at the alter of conflict-avoidance, this topic was quite painful.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">The majority of the executives agreed that the compensation structure should not be changed and the normal practice of awarding an annual 0-3% increase was acceptable. Marcus Row was preaching for the continuation of this strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">A minority of executives believed the entire compensation package should be revised and a new individual compensation package should be implemented. Thomas Freemen was the leader of this controversial and unpopular position.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Row was not going to allow his "collective" compensation plan be turned into an "individual" compensation plan. He rallied his troops and they were ready for a brutal battle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">After eight hours of noise concerning the compensation package, it was time for closing arguments. Again, it was time for Row and Freemen to take center stage. Row insisted on going first so he could establish his agenda and solidify his supporters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">"Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to employee compensation, fairness should be our guiding principle. Not fairness to a few, but fairness to all. Our current policy of awarding a uniform compensation increase percentage is as fair as we can make this process. This practice avoids conflict and allows the organization to spend minimal time discussing this issue. It's easy to communicate and it's a decision that we must only address once a year. Our employees obviously agree with this strategy as our employee retention last year was 96.66%. Why would we change a structure that works and causes no harm?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Let me remind everyone that we are a company and that we are all in this together, therefore we should be rewarded or penalized equally. We must treat all employees the same if we are to earn their respect and loyalty in the future. Those who speak of causing chaos in this delicate area of compensation will cause numerous distractions to the true purpose of this organization. Why should we break something that is not broken? Thank You!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Freemen watched the arrogant Row return to his seat. Freemen's only thought was, "I hate that guy, but man can he speak in fluffy platitudes and make a terrible system sound wonderful." He was amazed how someone so corrupt could sound so eloquent.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Freemen rose from his chair. He was not feeling optimistic as he noticed many executives giving Row the thumbs-up sign. Freeman quietly stared at each executive and the silence seemed to add to the anticipation of his remarks.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Row's remarks were very powerful, but those of an insane man. He spoke from a position that clearly states - What's best for the executives - instead of a position of what's best for the employees and this company. Is it our goal as leaders to worry about making our duties easier? If so, our employees and company deserve better. We are a company of individuals who can only master one person - ourselves. We should be financially rewarded as individuals, not collective serfs.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">I believe we should abolish the current annual 0-3% compensation strategy immediately and replace it with an individual accomplishment structure. All employees from the CEO to the new hires should be hired at a salary of $25,000 per year. The remainder of their compensation would be paid based on the level of their individual accomplishments. Our sales team currently lives under this program. Why should we not encourage all of our employees to work under a self-determination structure? Each employee would receive a personalized scorecard of ten impact activities that will drive our revenues and profits. This way, each employee could <u>give </u>themselves a raise at any time by simply improving their skills and results. They would also enjoy a precious gift called - SELF-RELIANCE! What a great American principle. Each employee could control their own financial destiny and I believe that when we unleash the power of our individuals to be rewarded based on their own accomplishments, this company and our employees would thrive.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">We just need our executives to have the courage to chart a new course. As Thomas Paine said in 1776, 'We have it in our power to begin the world over again.' The only question left is - Do we, the leaders, have the courage to boldly lead our team to a brighter future? It's time to reject our current compensation structure and unleash our employees to grow and prosper. Thank You!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">W</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">ould you defend the 0-3% strategy? Would you have the courage to be bold and different or would you play it safe and defend the status quo? Would you increase your wages if you were paid for your accomplishments or would your wages plummet? Would you accept the push-back from the underachievers who will scream under an accomplishment structure? What closing argument would you make? Do you believe in the power of the individual or the power of groups? Would a new compensation package unleash the power of your co-workers? Do you have the courage to ask one Eagle to test this new compensation concept for the next 30 days?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">P.S.</span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"> - The executive committee decided to postpone all compensation discussions for six months. It seems that revenues and profits are declining and any change would just cause conflict. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'">Marcus Row was seen leaving the alter of conflict-avoidance with a huge smile on his face. Thomas Freemen was last seen meeting with the company's Eagles and trying to explain why their efforts and results are receiving Duck-like compensation. Who is this Marcus Row guy?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: maroon; FONT-FAMILY: 'Palatino Linotype'"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><br> </body></html>