Employee: “Karl, I know that if I ask you for an additional 2 potatoes per week, you will say no.” Me: “Right” Employee: “Instead, I would like to ask you for zero potatoes. On one condition.” “Oh?” “When the executive team shakes the dirt off of their potatoes, I would like to take some of that soil.” “Sure, but why?” “Because soon, if the executives continue to prosper, I will have enough soil to grow my own potato garden.” I promoted him to Senior Cog on the spot. The lesson? Always take equity over salary. What do you think?