09/09/2024
THE REAL SEQUENCE OF SHAREHOLDERS, CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES
Linkden profile of Rajesh Nasir
On a mission to nurture a million children and youth into entrepreneurs in under-served communities. (rajeshnair.me)
February 2, 2021
When our first child was born, I joked that we didn't get the baby's user manual. As a young parent, this baby was like a supercomputer with only one alarm light. We had to interpret her cries by the context or exhaustive search of reasons. Till then, I had never taken care of anyone to the extent that their life depended on me.
Here I was holding this little child in my hand thinking, my actions and words will significantly influence her. As an infant, she cannot pick what is good or bad for her. Things that may look good in the short term may be bad for her in a long time. What is good for her may be difficult for me. I had to make decisions for her with her welfare in mind, not my convenience. Putting someone's interest and welfare ahead of mine at every waking (or sleeping) moment was new for this young dad.
The same sentiments hit me years later when I was managing my startup company. Every decision I took often had different effects on the players around me. If they didn't like it, they would complain. If it were in their interest, they would try to influence my decision. But the only voice I did not hear was that of the company. When each of the stakeholders suggested plans, I could see that they have thought about how it affected them or their team. Often they even considered the first-order impact on the company. But without much thought on the second or third-order effects. Often I had to filter everyone's interests and see what is good for the company.
Entrepreneurs are like parents who are always worried about their children- day and night. How could that feeling be instilled in others in the team? Please don't misunderstand me. We have nannies and teachers taking care of the child often, but you are still the parent who is responsible. As an entrepreneur, I felt the same responsibility.
We have heard a lot about the discussion on who comes first; employees, customers, shareholders? In my mind, the pecking order is simple.
1.The company that doesn't talk back but is the ward of everyone in the team.
2.Employees, because if we take care of the employees, they will take care of the customer. That is the natural flow.
3.Customer. Of course, this is a close second, but customers who interact with enthusiastic and committed employees can sense the strength of the company
4.Shareholders: If the first three are right, the shareholder should be ecstatic.
