“When a team takes ownership of its problems, the problem gets solved. It is true on the battlefield, it is true in business, and it is true in life” — Jocko Willink
If you are not familiar with what taking ownership means, in short it means owning all aspects of your life. Doing what needs to be done because you expect it of yourself as ownership springs from the intrinsic motivation of pride and engagement. Taking ownership starts with developing a belief or habit of mind that you are accountable for the quality and timeliness of an outcome, even when you’re working with others. Whatever sphere of influence you have on your work, you are to take 100% ownership of your work and upholding your companies Core Values and Pledge.
Don’t make excuses when you fall short or something goes wrong. Don’t blame others. The results you achieve begin and end with you. When relying on another person or department to complete a task, don’t relinquish your responsibility. It’s not acceptable to say, “well I sent an email to ______,” or “I am waiting on (fill in the blank) to get back to me.”
Keep this saying in mind: “you are committed to your results.” Whatever results you achieve reflect your commitment level to those results. Own your life, don’t just accept it! Most people sit back, wish, and wait for life to happen. I can assure you that no successful plan has ever included that strategy! Taking ownership for your life, your actions, your mistakes, and your growth puts you in a place where you are always able to learn and often able to win!
Let’s close with this. Who is responsible for what happens in your life and your leadership? Do you believe you should take personal responsibility? Or do you feel as if there are circumstances outside of your control and there’s little or nothing you can do about it? Here is one thing I know.. The hardest person to lead is yourself! If you are struggling with getting to where you want to be in life, chances are you are not modeling and leading with taking ownership in yourself and that cascades right into your Team.