"It's not what you pay a man, but what he costs you that counts"

Will Rogers, in his concise wisdom, points out a distinction between superficial expense and true cost. Many employers and organizations focus solely on the direct, visible outlay, an employee's wages, for instance, while overlooking the broader effects an individual can have on an enterprise. A person’s salary is sometimes the smallest line in the ledger compared to everything else their presence entails.

The broader “cost” encompasses not only the financial side but also intangible impacts. An employee who is disengaged, unproductive, or disruptively negative may hinder others’ efforts, creating inefficiencies and sapping morale across the team. Such indirect consequences are rarely apparent on a payslip but can erode a company’s culture and, ultimately, profitability. On the other hand, a highly skilled and motivated individual might command a higher salary but produce staggering value, inspire colleagues, and drive innovation. Their cost, when factoring in output, opportunity creation, and positive influence, can be low or even negative relative to their pay.

Beyond the workplace, the same principle applies to partnerships, investments, or even friendships. Immediate price tags often pale next to hidden or future costs. Focusing only on upfront payments, without accounting for quality, dependability, and secondary effects, can lead to poor judgment and losses not immediately reflected in monetary terms.

Will Rogers’ insight encourages looking past the surface, estimating the true impact a person has, whether to an organization, a project, or a shared mission. Wise decision-makers weigh not just salaries but reliability, long-term contributions, and the ripple effects of a person’s actions. Ultimately, the value anyone brings far exceeds what is captured by their paycheck; it lies in what is gained, or lost, through their involvement. This broader vision is what sustains, builds, and advances any venture.