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Dear
Annette,
I've been
working two years at a startup that is about to go public. I enjoy working hard,
but am starting to worry that I take it all too seriously. We are going through
a very awkward stage of growth and there is much confusion about roles and
responsibilities. Politics is rampant in what used to be a very team-oriented
team. I find myself very angry and unmotivated. I want to make this work - any
suggestions?
Thanks,
Kimberly
Dear
Kimberly,
Congratulations for making it this far. It takes brains, guts, and a
cornucopia of snack foods to take a business from wish to winner. It's a close
call as to whether the trading room floor on the day of IPO or Vanity Fair's
bash after the Academy Awards is more thrilling. After the awards you can sip
champagne and dance new Latin steps in dresses made out of scarves. But at your
own IPO, you are clearly a winner. Now
we need to make sure you feel like one.
| Secrets to a Smoother IPO |
- Save mementos from the early days for
future auction bonanza.
- Leave scooters in view, even though
investors are no longer impressed.
- Everyone get used to wearing headphones.
- Spend more on everything.
- Start writing things down.
- Expect to fill out forms for things
you
used to just do.
- Send instant messages to coworkers on the
other side of the cubicle wall instead of yelling.
- Be the same person you always were.
- Don't spend the money until you have it.
- Understand what your options are really
worth, and when.
Read
more..
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Your company is showing classic signs of
becoming a Real Live Company. You've
probably got more employees than guests at a supermodel's wedding. People three
years out of college are no doubt managing divisions of people three years into
college – but not for long. The prospect of imminent wealth is bringing out
traits you haven't seen in your coworkers before. Suit-wearing newcomers from
Dow-Jones companies are un-casually waltzing in at the last minute to share in
the glory of something they didn't help create and treating you as if you were
not fabulous at all. The lines of influence are being redrawn. And now that
everyone has seen the S1, some people's stock options packages probably look
extravagant compared to everyone else's. No wonder you are getting opening-day
jitters.
Understand that if you have a new layer of
management, it has probably been part of the plan since the days when vice
presidents were sharing cubicles. New hires in the final push get hefty rewards,
but they also increase the value of everyone's shares. No one is taking money
off the table.
Second, as your company goes through its
adolescence, ask yourself whether you are more of an entrepreneur or a company
man (sic), and whether you're more Dow or NASDAQ. But wait until after the big
day to act on the answer. The caviar at the party alone will be worth the wait.
Third, ask yourself if there are other
reasons why you feel skittish. It can be an outrageously difficult adjustmenst
when you have fabulousness thrust upon you. Success can be even harder to handle
than failure, because to many people it comes as a gigantic surprise - even
though they saw it coming. Imagine having your name called at the Oscars and not
being in the audience to make your acceptance speech.
Wait it out. Enjoy the pleasure. Be true
to yourself. Then double-check your vesting schedule as you consider your next
move.
Stay
fabulous,
Annette
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