The Ownership Shift

Tired of chasing your team for results? It’s time to flip the script.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it."
– Theodore Roosevelt

What Real Ownership Looks Like
If you’re constantly following up, fixing mistakes, or pushing things across the line—it’s not sustainable. It also teaches and drives the wrong behaviour. True ownership happens when people care enough to act without being chased. They solve problems, take initiative, and drive progress.

Why It Matters
When ownership is in play:
• Accountability is internal, not enforced
• Follow-up becomes follow-through
• You lead forward—instead of looping back

The Common Mistake
You can’t demand ownership and then keep control.
If people still need your sign-off on everything, they’re not owning it—they’re borrowing it.

How to Spark Ownership
Start with these shifts:
• Clarity – Define what people own, what success looks like, why it matters and how it fits into the bigger picture. Invest time here (not in following up & micro managing)
• Support – Follow up with coaching, not policing. You had to learn, to get as competent as you are. Help them grow their skills, confidence and self belief.
• Consequence – Let results (good or bad) teach and motivate. Make it safe to ‘fail’. Use moments as learning experiences. Effective feedback loops are great teachers.

Pick one task or project. Step back. Give them space—and real responsibility.

Your Move:
Where are you still holding on too tight?
What’s one decision or outcome you can hand over fully this week?

#Leadership #Accountability #TeamDevelopment #ThinkRightNZ #OwnershipShift