How to Inspire Ownership Through Leadership Behaviours and People Management Skills

Are you frustrated with your team’s lack of ownership and proactive effort to improve how they work? This is a common challenge faced by many leaders. While there are numerous technical tools and methodologies, such as Lean principles, a significant part of the solution lies in the people side of the equation. Leadership behaviours and effective people management skills can make all the difference in encouraging ownership.

Setting Clear Expectations: The First Step Toward Ownership

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to inspire ownership in your team is to set clear expectations. Often, employees don’t take initiative because they don’t feel empowered or asked to contribute. As a leader, you can change this by actively encouraging their input.

Start with a simple question: “What are your ideas to make the business run better?” By asking this, you not only show that their opinions are valued but also create a culture where improvement and innovation are everyone’s responsibility.

Next, follow up with: “How could we implement that idea?” This question turns suggestions into actionable steps and reinforces the team’s role in driving positive change.

Engaging Employees Through Leadership Behaviours

Leadership behaviours play a crucial role in fostering ownership. Leaders who actively listen, demonstrate trust, and empower their team create an environment where employees feel confident in taking initiative.

• Active Listening: Show genuine interest in your team’s ideas and concerns. Listening validates their contributions and builds trust.
• Empowering Decisions: Encourage your team to take ownership of their ideas and allow them to make decisions where appropriate. This builds confidence and accountability.
• Recognizing Efforts: Celebrate successes and acknowledge the efforts made by individuals to improve the business. Recognition reinforces positive behaviours and motivates continued ownership.

People Management Skills That Drive Proactive Teams

Effective people management skills are essential for inspiring ownership. By focusing on these key areas, you can build a team that actively contributes to the success of your business:

1. Communication: Regularly communicate the importance of team contributions and how their efforts align with broader business goals. Clear communication fosters engagement and understanding.
2. Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help your team grow. Encourage learning from mistakes and focus on solutions rather than blame.
3. Involvement: Involve your team in decision-making processes and strategic discussions. When employees feel included, they are more likely to take ownership of their roles.

In Summary: Ownership Starts with Leadership

Getting your team to take ownership doesn’t require complicated systems or tools. By demonstrating strong leadership behaviours and honing your people management skills, you can create an environment where employees feel empowered and motivated to contribute.

Start small by asking for ideas, setting clear expectations, and encouraging action. When your team feels heard, trusted, and valued, they will naturally begin to take more ownership—benefiting both themselves and your organization.