Case Stories

A Team Faces the Awkward Problem

7. A team faces the awkward problem

This story is true, but names and details have been changed to protect anonymity.

“I deserve a bigger part of this sale,” Tom said to the rest of the management team. “I’ve worked here for twenty-five years.” The room was tense. It was finally out in the open. The company we were hired to help was considering selling to an outside investor and newer, more talented executives were set to make more in the deal than some of the veteran team members.

“Tom, the investors want to retain what they consider top talent,” the CEO replied. Most in the room had never been through a sale before, and things were getting messy. “Alright, why don’t we get it all out in the open?” the CEO continued, looking everyone in the eyes. “Let’s go around and hear what’s really bothering us about this sale.” We went around the room as the team shared several stunning, and highly inaccurate, perspectives on the sale. It explained much of the passive aggression earlier on in the process and was the first step toward a real solution.

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