31. |
Take Ownership of Your Work |
One practice that has served me well throughout my working life is taking ownership of whatever job I held or task I was performing.
This trait, instilled in me at a young age, is responsible for much of the success I’ve achieved thus far. From my first real job as a teenager busing tables in a restaurant, to my current role as an author, speaker, and trainer, this practice has helped me do the very best job I am capable of every time.
By taking ownership you are, in effect, signing your work, and, as such, you are more inclined to do your best. Many companies realize that empowering their employees and enabling them to take ownership of their job result in enhanced performance. When we feel this kind of pride, whether it’s of a job or our home, we are more likely to pay attention to whatever it is we’re taking ownership of.
If you were the owner of your company and tasked with the job you’re doing, how would you approach the work? What would you do differently? Would you cut corners just to get it done and call it a day? Probably not. You’d be more likely to do your very best and take pride in your accomplishments.
Here’s something to consider: in terms of your area of responsibility, you are the owner of your job. How you perform at work reflects the type of individual you are, so make a habit of doing the best job you can at all times.
When you see something that needs to be done, do it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you it needs to be addressed. Just take the initiative and act. When a situation arises that needs attention or requires that a decision be made, if it is within the realm of your responsibility, handle it. Make the decision.
We’ve all seen people at our jobs who, when the slightest problem occurs, look for someone to tell them what to do. These are often lower-level employees who, unfortunately, rarely rise above their level due to their lack of initiative. They are the ones who are afraid that if they make a decision they might be blamed if something goes wrong.
On the surface this may seem like a logical thing to do; however, in practice it demonstrates an inability to lead. Leaders willingly risk making a decision and take full responsibility for its outcome. Are they always right? Of course not, but, as some wise person once said, you only have to be right most of the time to succeed.
Of course, there will be times when you’ll want to take a problem to your superior, but the more day-to-day issues that you handle yourself, the more likely it is that your natural leadership ability will be recognized and that you will rise within the organization.
My wife, Georgia, rose to an executive position in a giant telecommunications company by being willing to step up and make decisions. She said, “I’d rather ask forgiveness than permission.”