Taking the Wheel: Why Ownership and Personal Accountability Drive Success

This week I was coaching with a client—a C-Suite exec—who was frustrated that a member of her team seemed to be looking for directives instead of taking more initiative. "I just need her to take ownership of this," the exec said. Which got me to thinking about two phrases we've all heard (or uttered!) many times: "take ownership" and "be accountable." What do they truly mean, and why are they so crucial for both personal and professional success?

Ownership goes beyond simply completing a task. It's about taking initiative, demonstrating a vested interest in the outcome, and feeling responsible for the process. Personal accountability builds on this foundation. It's about accepting responsibility for your actions, decisions, and ultimately, the results you achieve.

Here's why this powerful duo matters:

• Increased Motivation: When you own your work, you're not just going through the motions. You're intrinsically motivated to produce high-quality results, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. Think about a personal project you poured your heart into—the sense of accomplishment likely fueled your motivation.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Owning your work means taking responsibility for overcoming challenges. This fosters critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, leading to more effective solutions. When you see a roadblock as "your" problem to solve, you're more likely to find innovative ways to get past it.
• Improved Performance: Personal accountability keeps you focused and on track. By being mindful of your commitments and proactively addressing challenges, you improve your overall performance. Accountability keeps you from procrastinating and ensures you deliver on time and within expectations.
• Building Trust: Taking ownership and being accountable demonstrates reliability and integrity. This earns you the trust of colleagues, clients, and superiors, fostering stronger relationships. People appreciate working with someone who takes responsibility for their actions and delivers what they promise.
• Empowering Growth: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. By taking ownership and holding yourself accountable, you learn from mistakes and use them as stepping stones for future growth. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities allows you to bounce back stronger and improve your skills.

Here's the key: Ownership and accountability are not about blame. They're about empowerment. By embracing these principles, you take control of your work and development, ultimately shaping your own success story.

How to cultivate a stronger sense of ownership and accountability

Here are a few tips that can help you as a leader when you're trying to create a stronger sense of ownership and accountability on your team:

• Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide clarity and direction for your work. Clear goals help you understand what "ownership" looks like in a specific situation.
• Communicate proactively: Keep your team informed about your progress and any challenges you encounter. Communication builds trust and allows others to support you when needed.
• Seek feedback: Welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve. Feedback helps you identify areas where you can take more ownership and be more accountable.
• Celebrate achievements: Recognizing your accomplishments reinforces positive behaviors and motivates continued growth. Celebrating successes keeps you motivated to maintain ownership and accountability.

By taking ownership and embracing personal accountability, you become the driver of your own success. So, take the wheel, chart your course, and watch yourself reach your full potential!

Photo by by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash.