Recently, I came in contact with a team full of talents and ideas, but efforts were often stuck in a cycle of stagnation and frustration. Because there was no clarity on who was responsible for what tasks, decisions were delayed or made by those who cried out the loudest. In addition, micromanagement from the team leader created a stifling atmosphere of distrust and dissatisfaction.
Despite their talent and good intentions, the team seemed stuck in a downward spiral of miscommunication and lack of direction. They lacked a sense of ownership, so their potential was not fully realized and their results fell short of expectations.
In any successful team, ownership is an essential building block. It is not just about performing tasks, but really about feeling responsibility and commitment to the common goal. Ownership drives innovation, effectiveness and engagement within teams. Let's take a closer look at exactly what ownership means, why it's so important, what mistakes team leaders often make and some practical tips for increasing ownership.
First, what is ownership in teams?
Ownership in teams refers to each team member's sense of responsibility, commitment and dedication to the team's shared purpose and success. It is not just about completing tasks, but about actively contributing to the team's success by showing initiative, making decisions and taking responsibility for results.
Why is ownership so important?
- Better performance: Team members who have a sense of ownership are more motivated and engaged in their work, leading to better performance and results for the team.
- Innovation: Ownership encourages creativity and innovation because team members feel free to share new ideas and take risks.
- Increased engagement: When team members feel ownership of their work, they also feel more committed to the team and are willing to go the extra mile to achieve success.
- Effective collaboration: Ownership fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, where team members feel supported and encourage each other to excel.
So plenty of reasons to find out what you could do as a team and as a team leader to increase ownership.
Most common mistakes made by team leaders
- Micromanagement: Constantly monitoring and managing tasks can undermine a sense of ownership, as team members feel they are not given the confidence to act independently.
- Lack of clear expectations: If team leaders do not clearly communicate the team's expectations and goals, team members may feel lost and not know how they can contribute.
- No room for autonomy: The lack of room for creativity and autonomy can reduce the sense of ownership, as team members feel they are only performing tasks according to pre-crafted instructions.
- Lack of recognition: Failure to recognize and reward team members' contributions can be demotivating and undermine a sense of ownership.
But what should you do as a team leader to increase ownership?
Practical tips to increase ownership
- Set clear goals and expectations: Communicate clear goals and expectations so that team members know what is expected of them and what they are working toward (for example, through OKRs).
- Give autonomy: Give team members the freedom to make decisions and perform their work in their own way, as long as it fits within the set goals and guidelines.
- Encourage initiative: Encourage team members to be proactive and show initiative in identifying problems and seeking solutions.
- Recognize and reward contributions: Ensure that team members' contributions are recognized and rewarded, whether small successes or major accomplishments.
- Ensure open communication: Create a culture of open communication where team members feel free to share ideas, give feedback and ask questions.
Conclusion:
My conclusion is that ownership is key to the success of any team. By setting clear goals, giving autonomy to team members and fostering a culture of open communication, team leaders can increase the sense of ownership and maximize their team's potential.
Tip: A great tool to test whether your team is experiencing and showing enough ownership is to use our Team Scan. Guaranteed success.
So ownership is essential, but there is more....
While showing ownership is very important, there are many other factors that affect team efficiency.
Team Supporter helps determine the level and need of teams. It thereby gives more help in determining the best approaches for a team . Want to try out what a scan of Team Supporter looks like?
Ownership meaning:
Ownership in teams:
Ownership in teams refers to each team member's sense of responsibility, commitment and dedication to the team's shared purpose and success. It is not just about completing tasks, but about actively contributing to the team's success by showing initiative, making decisions and taking responsibility for results.
