A Familiar Story in the Headlines
Last week’s headlines in The Wall Street Journal painted a now all-too-familiar picture of executive priorities in corporate America.
First, AIG’s CEO made waves by complaining about pay restrictions and threatening to quit—after only a few months on the job. Not long after, he backtracked and said he would stay, at least for now. The so-called “war for top talent” continues, it seems—even among leaders of companies once deemed too big to fail.
Then came the Bank of America story. Another candidate for the CEO role turned down the job, reportedly because accepting it would affect a $34 million stock payout from a separate deal. Apparently, restoring the nation’s largest bank to credibility and legacy status wasn’t quite worth the downgrade in compensation.
The Bigger Picture: Unchecked Self-Interest
What do these stories tell us? That unchecked self-interest is still alive and well in America’s executive suites—despite a year when many have suffered significant losses while only a few have gained.
Some may protest:
“Isn’t he entitled to earn top dollar?”
“This is capitalism!”
“Why is the government interfering in private sector pay?”
Sure. Debate away. It’s your right. But let’s also be honest enough to look at the full picture.
This isn’t about socialism versus capitalism. This isn’t about who gets to set compensation limits. That’s a far bigger debate, best left for another table.
A Simpler Ask: Reach Beyond Yourself
What If We Acted With Others in Mind?
This is a simple holiday wish: that each of us—especially those with power and influence—steps beyond self-interest and chooses to lift someone else up.
That could mean:
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Helping someone in hardship, hunger, or grief
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Offering a recommendation to someone looking for a job
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Referring a potential client, employer, or opportunity
And let’s be clear—this isn’t about performative kindness or posting feel-good blurbs on LinkedIn. This is about real action. Real people. Real help.
It’s About Our House
If this all sounds a bit idealistic, even naive, consider this:
It’s not about my house or your house. It’s about our shared house.
This is a call for collective leadership and a reminder that the true mark of character—especially in leadership—is not how much one earns, but how much one gives.
Can We Set Aside the Quid Pro Quo—Just for a Season?
Even just for a season, can we press pause on the market-driven mindset that asks “What’s in it for me?”
And instead ask: “What can I do for someone else today?”
That’s the heart of this holiday wish.