Everyone’s an Owner  🔗 **Source:** [Everyone’s an Owner](https://ma.tt/2024/10/owner-mentality/) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: > - #ownership > - #automattic > - #opensource > Author: Matt Mullenweg > Source: ma.tt > Reference: [Everyone’s An Owner](https://ma.tt/2024/10/owner-mentality/) > date created: 2024-10-12 21:00 > > # Title: Everyone’s An Owner > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## Table of Contents: - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📖 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🔍 SEO Evaluation](#-seo-evaluation) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ## 📝 Summary: The article discusses Automattic’s new ownership model designed to foster an "owner mentality" among employees. Employees are granted A12 stock with unique liquidity options, promoting transparency, equity, and engagement. Mullenweg outlines the company’s strategy of moving away from traditional options and highlights the flexibility of the program. ## 📖 Main Content: Automattic’s A12 stock plan offers predictable buy/sell windows and protections typically reserved for investors, such as a 1x liquidation preference. This shift promotes financial empowerment for employees while avoiding complexities with options, especially across multiple countries. Employees gain shares as part of their compensation, aligning interests and encouraging ownership thinking. ### 🗒️ Notes: - **A12 Stock Features**: - Quarterly buy windows; bi-annual selling opportunities. - Employees always sell at purchase price or higher. - No expiry; shares can be transferred to a trust. - No voting rights, but economic rights remain intact. - Initially capped at $25k/year, now up to $1M/year. - **Incentives**: All new hires receive 1 A12 share, reinforcing a culture of ownership from the start. - **Future Intentions**: The legal team may release documentation to help other companies implement similar programs. ## 📖 References: - Mullenweg, Matt. "[Everyone’s An Owner](https://ma.tt/2024/10/owner-mentality/)." ma.tt, October 12, 2024. ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original Insight**: Traditional stock options can complicate international employment. **Paraphrased**: Managing stock options globally can be cumbersome, so Automattic tailored A12 shares to simplify ownership. 2. **Original Insight**: Employees gain peace of mind with a 1x liquidation backstop. **Paraphrased**: A12 stock guarantees employees can sell shares without losses, thanks to a backstop mechanism. ## 📰 Newsletter: **Title**: Building Ownership with A12 at Automattic 🎉 In an effort to cultivate an "owner mentality," Automattic introduced A12 stock, providing employees with reliable liquidity and financial security. The program simplifies ownership by removing traditional option restrictions and offering predictable buy/sell windows. Want to learn more about this unique stock plan and other exciting Automattic developments? Dive into the latest at [ma.tt](https://ma.tt/2024/10/owner-mentality/). ## ✅ Action Items: This article aligns with your focus on open-source advocacy by promoting sustainable workforce engagement. Its emphasis on employee ownership can inform future community programs or funding initiatives for contributors. The initiative reflects transparency and inclusive financial planning—key themes relevant to OSPO management. Exploring how this model can inspire open-source governance structures may advance your advocacy efforts. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: - Hypothesis 1: Employee ownership increases long-term retention. - Hypothesis 2: Predictable liquidity boosts employee morale across distributed teams. ### 📊 Methodology: - **Data Collection**: Survey employee satisfaction pre-and post-A12 implementation. - **Research Design**: Mixed methods—quantitative analysis of retention rates and qualitative interviews. - **Analysis**: Compare metrics with companies using traditional options. ### ❓ Questions: - What are the potential risks of adopting this stock model in other companies? - Could this ownership model translate to open-source communities? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Explore how stock ownership models influence distributed team dynamics. - Investigate the impact of A12 stock on recruitment. ### 💡 Implications: Broader adoption of this model could inspire similar ownership programs within tech and open-source communities, fostering deeper engagement and financial stability. ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: 1. **Visual Learners**: Add charts showing retention trends post-stock implementation. 2. **Aural Learners**: Include audio summaries of key benefits. 3. **Kinesthetic Learners**: Offer simulations of financial planning with A12. 4. **Logical Learners**: Provide a decision matrix comparing stock options vs. A12. 5. **Social Learners**: Create discussion prompts around ownership culture. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader**: Ensure the text structure follows semantic HTML for accessibility. - **Keyboard Navigation**: Optimize buy/sell flows for seamless interaction. - **Contrast and Readability**: Evaluate Automattic’s UI for high-contrast compliance. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Inclusive Language**: The article avoids jargon, promoting clarity for non-native speakers. - **Representation**: Introduce case studies on how ownership models impact diverse cultures. ### ✅ Logical Validity: - **Sound Reasoning**: The program addresses typical stock option pitfalls, providing a well-grounded alternative. - **Potential Fallacy**: Optimism bias—assuming continued company success without addressing potential market risks. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: 1. **Keywords**: Ownership, employee stock, financial planning, A12. 2. **Meta Description**: Create a concise, keyword-rich meta description summarizing A12 stock benefits. 3. **Title Tag**: “Everyone’s An Owner – Automattic’s A12 Stock Program.” ## 🎯 Conclusion: Mullenweg’s A12 stock plan reflects Automattic’s innovative approach to employee engagement. This strategy could serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to promote ownership and inclusivity in distributed teams. The program not only enhances financial stability but aligns with broader goals of fostering transparency and sustainable growth. <!-- deep-read:sections end --> 📄 **Full text:** ![[Full Document Contents/Articles/Everyone’s an Owner|Everyone’s an Owner, Matt]] ## Highlights - There are quarterly windows to buy. You have to hold for 1 year, but then there are twice-a-year windows to sell, which is very predictable. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ja1sc4pxe7sh9dc4fs7snqhs)) - A12 is just economic rights, it doesn’t have any voting rights. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ja1sd0mvwyfavaq26w0jhywq)) - We want everyone to have an owner mentality, so we’ve also now started granting 1 share of A12 stock to every new hire. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01ja1sds285j7ytcj88sah4egk))