How do you create ownership? Actually offer it.

A favorite moment when I’d meet with business owners (in-person, pre-pandemic) occurred when I’d casually mention I’d sold my business (three years ago this month). I’d always see an eyebrow raised or note taken.

When we’d wrap up, the owner would often whisper they dreamed of selling their firm and asked how I sold mine.

It’s easy, I’d say, but counter-intuitive: give away a percentage of your business to your best team members – the ones an acquiring firm will want to keep. If you’re an owner, try it. If you’re an invaluable employee, request it. Then you’ll really see “ownership.”

– Chris Schroder, The 100 Companies