Plus the Benefits of Promoting Employee Ownership in Your Company
When you think of the ideal employee, what comes to mind? Some of the top qualities often mentioned included good communication skills, the ability to problem solve, and dependability. But great leaders should also want their employees to take ownership of their work. The essential component of high-functioning teams is individual employees taking ownership.
The Benefits of Employee Ownership
The benefits of employees taking ownership of their work extend beyond stronger business performance. Case in point: there is a direct link between employees taking ownership of their work and companies achieving the things that are most important to them, such as higher levels of employee engagement, morale, and retention. Instilling ownership into your team creates a desirable workplace culture and thriving relationships between managers and their teams.
What Does Taking Ownership Look Like?
Employees who take ownership:
Are willing to provide feedback and ideas
Volunteer first for assignments and opportunities
Are proactive and can act independently
Can anticipate potential problems and take steps to resolve issues
Take thoughtful and calculated action that advances creativity and innovation
Have an eagerness to learn more
Take satisfaction in the work they do
Have confidence
5 Ways to Instill Ownership In Your Team
That all sounds amazing, right? Now let’s talk about how you can instill ownership in your team’s work.
1 | Create A Sense of Belonging
When employees feel like they belong and can be their authentic selves, they are more likely to bring their best ideas and best work to the table every day. To create a sense of belonging, get to know your people. (Remember, it’s difficult to inspire others when you don’t know them.) Have regular one-on-one meetings to check in with team members and see how they are doing both professionally and personally. Each of your team members is unique and will have different needs, so don’t forget to understand those needs and work toward meeting those needs–when your team’s needs are met, they are able to do their best work!
2 | Align with Company Mission and Values
No employee likes feeling as though they are just a numbered cog in the machinery of the company, blindly following orders. So align your team’s job functions with company goals, mission and values. This helps set the parameters and expectations for employee performance plus helps them feel like they are working toward something important and bigger than themselves. This can serve as inspiration to do their best each and every day.
3 | Provide Training and Leadership Development
Training and development should be continuous, not just on hire. Your team members want to feel valued and that you believe in their abilities to learn, grow, and do more for the company. So offer opportunities for training and leadership development. Investing in your team in this way not only inspires them but allows you to reap the benefit of more qualified and trained employees.
4 | Ask for Input Plus Listen to It
Get in the habit of regularly asking your team for their opinions and input. Not only does this help your employees feel valued, but sharing input and ideas can help your company stay ahead of the curve. Want to know what your employees see as a business or industry challenge? Ask! Their insight can be invaluable. Plus, it can help build their self-confidence and autonomy.
5 | Don’t Micromanage
Speaking of autonomy, it’s important to remember to not micromanage your team. Show them you trust them and literally give them ownership by allowing them the ability to do what they do best! Instilling this independence can also help hold your team accountable. But remember, always set clear expectations and provide guidance when they ask for it.
Key Takeaways
Helping employees take ownership of their work creates a motivated, confident, and engaged workforce. It also builds trust between managers and their teams, increases the quality of work, and brings about personal and company-wide success. Taking ownership increases an employee’s pride in their work, and when they want to do their best, your company is more successful for it!
