Comments on: Pay Me $50,000 to Quit Writing Slacker Manager

By: Blake

Blake — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:00:50 +0000

This is an interesting thought…even if someone were to pay you the $50,000 to stop writing slacker manager, couldn’t you still write slackr manager or something?

I personally would hope to have weeded out those bad seeds in the interview before they’re even hired, instead of having to shell out $1000 to get them to leave.

By: Camille

Camille — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:03:01 +0000

I like this idea. So much of the time a new employee is thinking ‘well, i got a job, so there is some income, i’ll just stick here until something else comes along’ and they demoralize truly committed staff or take advantage of other people’s commitment. I think the payoff to get out is a brilliant idea.

By: Miki

Miki — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:50:58 +0000

It’s not that surprising that Hsieh would think of that, it fits with the rest of his approaches. He’s one of the few CEOs who puts his company’s money where his mouth is regarding customer service and employees. Here’s a post I wrote in May with a link to an interview with him.

By: McNeal

McNeal — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:30:13 +0000

This is one really good idea. I’m thinking about using it in one of our innovation programs and organise a little debate amongst participants about it. If an idea doesn’t cause a conflict, it’s probably not really innovative … this one is bound to cause a stir in any company!

By: David Zinger

David Zinger — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:43:26 +0000

Phil,
I believe the dollar amount is real and it has gone from $100 to $500 to now $1000. I think the symbolism of the gesture is the real power of the offer. Now maybe the offer for Slacker will go from 50,000 to 100,000 to $1,000,000. Of course it also might be the suitcase with just $1.00 in it!
David

By: Phil Gerbyshak

Phil Gerbyshak — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:19:25 +0000

Anne – I’d like more too, but this would be a good start.

And yes, I think Zappos is on to something. It’ll be interesting to read about the first company brave enough to copy them.

By: Phil Gerbyshak

Phil Gerbyshak — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:18:46 +0000

David – yes, I’ve seen this story make the rounds. I don’t think this is symbolic though. I think this is a real gesture to ensure your front line employees are 100% engaged in your business.

And I would miss you too partner, but we would still find ways to connect, fear not!

By: Phil Gerbyshak

Phil Gerbyshak — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:17:18 +0000

Gina – I agree. This is a great investment for the organization. $1000 is a small price to pay to keep your company humming along at top speed.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:02:06 +0000

Phil, you’re underpricing yourself! I want double that, plus that much every year as passive income.

Okay, I’ll calm down… suspect Zappos is really onto something.

By: David Zinger

David Zinger — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:08:52 +0000

Hi Phil,
I’ll miss you if someone gives you the $50,000! This story has been making the blogging rounds the past couple of weeks about the $1000 offer. Only good during initial training and really much more symbolic than real but obviously it works as so many people have taken notice.
David