I Already Know Your Bonus

November 12th. That was the day. I got a sense of it when I wasn’t the first person have pulled into the parking lot.  I was pretty sure when I saw timesheets being submitted everyday that week without me even asking. I confirmed it when my jokes suddenly became funnier.

As an owner of a marketing agency these clues led to one sign- it is bonus season-- that period when employees start positioning themselves for the best possible end to the calendar year-- the holiday bonus. Having spoken with many other business owners, I know that I am not alone when I secretly chuckle at this sudden transition into the end-of-year runout.

While I appreciate the early arrival for 6 weeks and like to have time sheets submitted without asking, I would also love everyone to know a few secrets about bonus season that I am sure most bosses will agree with:

• We remember last January (and February, and March…)- When the holiday buzz has worn off, and the bulk of the holiday bonus has already been spent, how you approach work in the new year says a lot about your commitment to the company. A bonus is an evaluation of your work throughout the year, not just 6 weeks;
• Bosses make decisions about bonuses much earlier than you realize- As I enter each new year I already have a line item in my budget for bonuses. While events during the year will cause that line item to be adjusted up or a down, by the start of the 4^th quarter I have a pretty good sense of what the bonus situation will be for the year (that means October 1, not November 10).
• You can still sabotage your bonus in November and December, but it is rare that significant upward mobility will occur during that period (however bringing in that $1 million account would certainly make me reconsider);
• While a holiday bonus is based on your individual performance, that isn’t the only factor. Planned future investment in the company and overall company performance play a great part in the size of the bonus pot. If in a year your bonus didn’t grow much due to the aforementioned factors, that doesn’t mean your percentage of the bonus pie didn’t grow substantially;
• Owners give out more in bonuses than they originally plan. For the last 15 years the amount distributed in bonuses has always exceeded what I had originally budgeted. We like our employees, are grateful for you, and really want to thank you in any way we can.

So please arrive early and laugh at my jokes. All. Year. Round. If we have a good year you will reap the rewards. I am happy that you are starting to focus on your 2019 holiday bonus on November 10, 2018. You (and the company) will benefit from it for sure.

2020 Election

I have real concern over the 2020 election. It actually doesn't really matter who wins the election. My concern is that the legitimacy of the election will be challenged. Much like the 2016 election which is perceived by many Americans as illegitimate, a 2020 election that isn't accepted by its citizens will be the most significant test of democracy since the Civil War.

Much of our society rests on a foundation of faith and trust in our government. The economy, defense, and in many cases social policy rely on the trust of its citizens to be successful. If the people don't place their trust in those in power- the very fabric of our society may crumble.

There is question today about whether the Russians meddled in our election process. They may very well have. However I would encourage this nation to put that behind us. For if it were true- the 2016 election would not be Russia's greatest wound on the United States. The real pain would come from eroding trust in the democratic process that our country relies on.

So if Russian meddling is proven- I would hope that the President is not impeached unless it is proven that he had a direct influence on that meddling. Because if he is impeached, every election from here forward will be challenged and impeachment considered. And if this happens every time, this country will make no progress- which is the greatest of all dangers.