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Writer's pictureRonnie Ray

What it Means to "Own Your Work"




To "Own your work" can mean different things to varied audiences and roles.

  • Individual perspective: Owning your work from an individual perspective means taking full responsibility for the work you do, from start to finish. This includes being accountable for the quality of your work, meeting deadlines, and taking ownership of the outcome.

  • Managerial perspective: From a managerial perspective, owning your work means being accountable for the results of your team. It involves taking ownership of the project and leading the team in a way that encourages ownership and accountability among team members.

  • Entrepreneurial perspective: From an entrepreneurial perspective, owning your work means taking full responsibility for the success or failure of your business. It involves being accountable for every aspect of the business, from marketing and sales to financial management and customer service.

  • Creative perspective: From a creative perspective, owning your work means taking full ownership of your artistic or creative endeavors. This involves taking responsibility for the creative direction of your work and being accountable for the final product.

  • Ethical perspective: From an ethical perspective, owning your work means taking responsibility for the impact of your work on others. It involves being accountable for the ethical implications of your work and taking ownership of the consequences of your actions.

Impact of Owning your Work


Owning your work has highly positive effect on the work environment and the results.

  • A study by Harvard Business Review found that employees who take ownership of their work are 3.5 times more engaged than those who don't. This increased engagement can lead to higher productivity, better job satisfaction, and improved overall performance.

  • According to a survey by Deloitte, 91% of employees who feel like they have ownership over their work say they are motivated to do their best. This sense of ownership can come from having clear goals and objectives, autonomy over their work, and a sense of purpose in their role.

  • A study by the University of Sheffield found that employees who feel a sense of ownership over their work are more likely to be innovative and come up with new ideas. This can lead to improved performance, increased competitiveness, and better outcomes for the organization.

  • A report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that organizations that foster a sense of ownership among employees have lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction ratings. This can result in cost savings for the organization and a better overall work environment.

  • According to a study by the Corporate Leadership Council, organizations that promote a culture of ownership and accountability have a 6% higher profit margin than those that don't. This can be attributed to increased employee engagement, better decision-making, and improved performance across the organization.

One further aspect is that owning your individual work also has a huge impact on the performance of the group or a team your work with. When an individual takes ownership of their work as part of a team, they not only contribute to the overall success of the project, but also help to build a positive and collaborative work environment.


While owning your work is a great attitude to have, surely there are tools that may help to inculcate and foster it with discipline. We will explore what these might be in future posts.


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