Meaning: The quote "Today, a skilled manager makes more than the owner. And owners fight each other to get the skilled managers" by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a prominent Russian businessman and former oligarch, reflects the evolving dynamics of the modern business world. This statement sheds light on the changing power dynamics within organizations, where the value of managerial expertise has significantly increased, leading to a shift in the traditional hierarchy of power and influence.

In the context of this quote, the term "skilled manager" refers to individuals who possess a high level of expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic vision in managing and directing the operations of a company or organization. These managers are often responsible for driving growth, optimizing performance, and ensuring the overall success and sustainability of the business. With the increasing complexity of the global business environment, the demand for such skilled managers has risen sharply, leading to a significant increase in their market value and compensation.

The assertion that "a skilled manager makes more than the owner" underscores the growing recognition of the critical role that managers play in steering the success of a business. Traditionally, the owner or founder of a company held the highest position of authority and reaped the greatest financial rewards. However, as businesses have become more complex and competitive, the value of effective management has become increasingly evident. Skilled managers are now commanding higher salaries and compensation packages, reflecting their pivotal role in driving organizational performance and growth.

Furthermore, the statement "owners fight each other to get the skilled managers" highlights the intense competition among business owners to attract and retain top managerial talent. In today's business landscape, companies recognize that the success and sustainable growth of their organizations depend heavily on the quality of their management teams. As a result, owners are actively vying for the best managerial talent, offering lucrative incentives and benefits to secure the services of top-performing managers.

This trend is particularly pronounced in industries characterized by rapid technological advancements, global market integration, and fierce competition. In such environments, the ability of skilled managers to navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and adapt to changing market dynamics has become indispensable. Consequently, owners are willing to invest significantly in securing the expertise of talented managers who can lead their organizations to success in an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable business landscape.

The evolving dynamics described in the quote have implications for both owners and managers. For owners, it underscores the imperative of recognizing and rewarding managerial talent as a strategic investment in the long-term success of their businesses. It also emphasizes the need for owners to cultivate a supportive and empowering environment that enables managers to thrive and drive innovation.

On the other hand, for skilled managers, this trend presents unprecedented opportunities for career advancement, professional growth, and financial rewards. It underscores the increasing recognition of their value and the potential for them to wield significant influence within organizations. However, it also places greater pressure on managers to continuously enhance their skills, adapt to evolving business challenges, and deliver tangible results that justify their elevated compensation and status.

In conclusion, Mikhail Khodorkovsky's quote encapsulates the shifting power dynamics within modern organizations, where skilled managers have ascended to positions of significant influence and financial reward. This transformation reflects the growing recognition of the critical role that managerial expertise plays in driving business success, as well as the intense competition among owners to secure top managerial talent. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the value of skilled managers is likely to remain paramount, shaping the dynamics of power, influence, and compensation within organizations for the foreseeable future.