Dear Expert:

I’ve been in business for 20 years. I’ve grown from a small part time operation into a multi-million dollar business. I provide lots of people with opportunity to improve their personal lifestyle and earn a good living, but I can’t seem to get them to think like owners. I want them to feel empowered, but most of them seem to wait for directions rather than taking the initiative to make things happen. As I look towards the future of my business legacy, I want to develop a culture that is innovative, proactive, and also driving to surpass goals. How can I get my people to think like an owner rather than an employee? I’ll try anything. 

~ Puzzled Owner

Dear Puzzled:

 For years now, I’ve heard authors, trainers, consultants, and clients talk about ownership, owning the process, and the ownership mentality. But what does that really mean?

The Ownership Mentality you ask about is an attitude or habit that prompts and controls spontaneous reactions and responses to specific situations. It is an understanding that success isn’t achieved by chance but thru making conscious and deliberate decisions and actions that delivers more than expected.

In regards to your question, it sounds like most of your people would probably tell you that this “Owner Mentality Attitude” you speak of is not part of their job description. And, more than likely, they would be right. If they are not acting the way that you want them to, you most likely have not effectively communicated what you expect out of them. Whether your job descriptions are formal or informal, if people don’t know that you expect them to choose to be, then it probably won’t happen.

To encourage an “Ownership Mentality” amongst your employees, tell and show them what it means so clearly that they can’t help but understand what you want, expect, and are willing to reward. After all, rewarded behavior is repeated behavior, and if you tap into your people’s Pride, Pleasure, Peace of Mind, and Profits you will begin to encourage an “Ownership Mentality” within your organization.