Owner Conversations: Awkward Conversation with Key Employee About Sale of Company
Characters: Owner –late 60s, founder and owner of a successful company Key Employee – late 40s, long-time employee, 20 years working together, still in his prime working years Scene: Owner’s office. Afternoon sunlight filters in. The mood is quiet, a little tense, but not confrontational. ______________________________________________________________________ Key Employee (KE): I… got a call today from Practwer. They said you might be thinking about selling the company. I have to admit… it caught me off guard. Owner (O): …They called you? KE: Yeah. And, honestly, I feel a bit hurt that this is the first I’m hearing about it—from anyone but you. After all these years, I thought we’d talk about something this big. O: (sighs) I see. You’re right. I… I didn’t think it was my place yet, and I thought it was still too uncertain to bring up. But I can see now that not telling you made it feel like I didn’t trust you. That wasn’t my intention. KE: I know you didn’t mean it that way. It’s just… I’ve been here through a lot of ups and downs with you. This company isn’t just a job—it’s part of my life. And now, hearing this from a competitor, it makes me wonder… what’s my role if someone else takes over? O: (looks down, thoughtful) I get it. Honestly, I hadn’t thought about how it would feel from your side. I should have at least mentioned that this idea was floating around. I’m sorry for leaving you out. KE: Thanks. It’s not about blaming you. I just… need to understand what comes next. My place here has always felt secure because we’ve built this together. But with a sale, it’s… uncertain. O: (leans forward) You’ve been the heart of this company. Any potential buyer would need you, absolutely. I don’t want you to even consider leaving. Your staying is crucial—not just for the company, but for me personally. I messed up by not involving you sooner. KE: (quietly) I appreciate that. I just need time to process all of this. It’s hard not knowing what the future holds. O: I get that. And you’ll have full clarity soon. I promise we’ll figure this together. I want you here, with me, no matter what comes next. KE: (nods slowly) Ok, thank you. O: And just so you know… you’re not going anywhere. The company doesn’t move forward without you. KE: (half-smile) That’s reassuring. Let’s just take it one step at a time.