Taking “Ownership” of your job:
This topic can be met by every negative comment imaginable: “They’re just trying to get more out of me, and there is nothing in it for me”, “So, if I ‘own’ my job, does that mean I can work shorter hours, work from home, play golf Wednesday afternoon, and make a huge salary?”
Those remarks essentially mean: “I’m going to do just enough to get by, because there is nothing as a reward in it for me.”
Not correct.
The “nothing in it for me” is a myth. It is self-fulfilling (if you act it, it will come true) and it is one reason so many people get into a RUT, get bored to the point where complaining about the work, career, income and general happiness is dictated by that thought.
The number one trait employers are seeking today is “A person who will take ownership of their job.” They are looking for Pitchers, not Catchers, do-ers not waiters and people whose positive attitude and positive actions will show the way for others.
Want to have the BEST ODDS of being promoted? Take ownership of your job/ career. Be known as the “Go To” person.
Don’t think your mediocre references will follow you due to all the Laws? Think again. Social media, peer references and career patterns will tell the truth, even if HR is mute.
Want to move up, make more money, and have a more accomplishment-filled life (feel better about yourself)? Take ownership of your job.
So what does “ownership of your job really mean, to the people who hire, promote, give salary increases?
It is almost a “negative comparison” where those in power compare one who is a performer to one who is not. It is EASY to spot the average “cruise through the day” person who gets by (or not) in their job. They are deemed okay, but if the discussion turns to “who are your best people?” those folks are never mentioned until their average performance turns out to be poor (a natural end for people who are just getting by. Their average naturally turns worse over time).
The best people in jobs are the ones who expect the most out of themselves, spend time on personal and skill improvement, and act as though everything they do is critical. They typically give more than 100%, have a positive, contagious attitude about their work and company, and are the least present person in rumor mills and negative water-cooler discussions. They are simply too busy and too focused to participate. They view their actions as an example of their character. They don’t want to be pulled into the negativity pool.
When asked to hit a goal, they do, and before the deadline. When asked to do something beyond their job description, they do it and without the need for immediate rewards.
They get angry at themselves for messing something up. No one else is to blame.
They are positive, about everything. Playing the “Victim” is never part of their routine.
They get results to the point when they are handed an assignment, the assigner KNOWS the task will be done. No questions.
No excuses. “Winners go home and kiss the prom Queen. Losers complain about the referee.”
“How can I do this better?” It is a constant internal question. The other 95% of people spend time thinking how they can do just enough to get to the time clock.
Ownership is an attitude of excellence, in all your results. It is being ACCOUNTABLE for what you do and how you do it.
Don’t confuse business ownership for job ownership. Most people have no clue what kinds of alligators there are under the floor for a business owner each day. People who don’t take ownership of their jobs are one of those, just waiting to have the owner of the business for lunch.
Taking ownership of your job, career, life and results will lead to making more money, being happier and being seen as a productive member of a team. NOT taking ownership will simply get you old and grumpy, fast.
“Just do it,” a great phrase for Tee Shirts. I wish all people who are that top 5% could get one, free. Everyone else would have to pay $1,000 to get one. It would separate the poseurs from the winners.
