Why is it important to take ownership of your work?
Have you ever been part of a project where everyone seemed to be passing the buck, pointing fingers, or simply not taking responsibility for their actions? It's a frustrating experience, isn't it? This lack of ownership can lead to missed deadlines, shoddy work, and a general sense of chaos. But what happens when individuals decide to take ownership of their work?
The results can be transformative, not only for the project at hand but for personal and professional growth as well. Taking ownership means more than just completing tasks assigned to you. It involves embracing the work you do, holding yourself accountable for its outcomes, and actively seeking solutions when challenges arise. But why is this mindset so crucial? Let’s discuss in detail.
In the past, success was often attributed to luck or having a supportive boss. But times have changed. Jeff Frommer, owner of Frommer Group, a serial entrepreneur who sold his media company for $75M in 2021 emphasizes that in today's digital age, where information is everywhere, we have the power to shape our own success. It's not just about what others do for us—it's about what we do for ourselves. We live in an era where opportunities abound, and it's up to us to seize them.
Self-Assessment: The Foundation of Progress
Self-assessment is not about comparing yourself to your immediate surroundings; it's about understanding where you stand in the grand scheme of things. Your benchmark should extend beyond your current environment to encompass industry standards and best practices. Recognize that what might be considered high performance in one context could be mediocre in another. It's all about perspective.
Seeking Feedback Beyond Your Manager
If your boss isn't providing the feedback you need to improve, don't just sit back and accept it. Look for feedback elsewhere, whether it's from colleagues, mentors, or online resources.
Remember, underperformance is relative and subjective. It's up to you to define what success looks like and strive for it relentlessly.
Embracing Challenges and Pushing Your Limits
Feeling comfortable in your current role is a sign that you're not pushing yourself hard enough. Embrace challenges and seek opportunities to stretch beyond your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to ask for more responsibility or even consider asking your boss to let you go if you feel it will ignite a sense of urgency and motivation within you.
Finding Your "Why" and Taking Action
If you're unable to answer whether you're at the top of your class or industry, you're not asking the right questions. Instead, focus on whether you're ready to compete at the highest level.
Identify your "why" – the driving force behind your desire to excel – and dedicate yourself to pursuing it relentlessly. Utilize all available resources, whether it's online courses, mentorship programs, or books, to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
In a world where change is constant, success comes to those who adapt and strive for greatness. By embracing self-assessment, challenging ourselves, and pursuing our goals relentlessly, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Jeff Frommer reminds us that the power to succeed lies within each of us—it's time to grab it fully and chart our own path to success. So let's take ownership of our work, our goals, and our futures, and unleash our full potential upon the world.