Employees are a Privilege, Not a Right

“You should be grateful just to have a job.”

Yes, having a job is something to be grateful for. Here’s something that’s (at least) equally true:

You should be grateful to have people willing to put their precious time and energy into doing the work necessary to support the success of your business.

Not nearly as catchy. Fine. How about this one:

You should be grateful just to have employees.

Your business is your dream. Maybe you are passionate about what your business brings to the world. Maybe the dream is just being your own boss, and your business is whatever makes sense with your skills. Either way, you put in the work to support your dream because it was yours.

You know what? Pause here to give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back for that. Truly. 

Entrepreneurship (I’m learning) is a wild and scary ride, and you chose to take it. You should definitely be proud of that.

Then the moment came when you decided to hire help. If you are in awe of the fact that someone would choose to hitch their wagon to your dream, I applaud you. Please, hang on to that feeling. It really does serve you well.

If not, well…why not? 

It is a privilege to have other people show up to make your business run well. If your interactions with your staff reflect that, if you reciprocate by taking interest in the dreams of your employees, you will create loyalty. Your employees will show up in ways that money just can’t buy. Happy employees → happy customers → happy you.