Act Like An Owner
June 30, 2009 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
Many years ago, I worked for a company in Menomonee Falls called Strong Capital Management, since acquired by Wells Fargo. It was one of the most interesting places I’ve ever worked, with as many unwritten rules as written rules.
I got a great background in the stock market, in customer service, and lifelong learning at Strong. It was the place that’s molded who I am more than any place else I have ever worked at. While I didn’t agree with everything the firm did, I am grateful for the opportunity I got to work there.
One of the biggest things Dick Strong, the founder/owner of Strong Capital Management instilled into all trainees early on was a simple credo:
Act like an owner
What does it mean to act like an owner?
- If you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up. Nobody likes a messy floor.
- Every job is your job. Nothing is beneath you.
- If you’re the last one in the room, turn out the light. Saving a little electricity is a good thing for everyone.
- Treat everyone you talk to with respect, regardless of their position. Today’s secretary is tomorrow’s millionaire.
- Always act professionally. You never know who’s going to hear what you’re saying or see what you’re doing.
- A little overtime won’t hurt you. Work until the job is done, even if it takes a little longer than you think.
- Read as many books and attend as many seminars as you can. It’s an inexpensive way to learn from the best.
- Always be on time for meetings Time is money and you wouldn’t waste money, so why would you waste time.
- Show up a few minutes early to relieve the next person from their shift. They’ll appreciate it and return the favor when they can.
What does it mean to YOU to act like an owner?
For Sale by Owner photo credit to sidewalk_flying
Phil,
This posting on Act Like An Owner grabbed my attention because, like you, I once worked for a CEO who preached the same message. And it worked. It helped to create a highly entrepreneurial culture.
One thing I’ll add to your excellent list is that we used to say “Think like an owner and you’ll act like one.”
Terry
You must not have known Dick Strong very well. If he acted like that, he would still have his company.
That was the Dick Strong I had communicated to me when I worked there. My interactions with him were admittedly infrequent, though this is what I learned. Maybe it was the trainers, maybe it was Dick himself, but this is what I learned when I was working for Dick, and I am VERY glad to have learned these lessons.