If I had a nickel for every time we’ve said this in our house, I’d be sipping a mai tai in Turks and Caicos with my bride right now. Instead, I’m sipping coffee at Starbucks and writing this.
“Own It, Make It Right”
Simple rule, not always easy to follow.
Important to note, “owning it” does not only have to happen when a mistake is made. You can “own it” when you recognize that a decision you have made will impact someone else.
It is the later situation where one of my leaders is blazing a brilliant trail with this concept at their work.
Their company is making a significant, well thought out transition in strategy for how they operate for the foreseeable future. As with all change, there is obviously some uncertainty on how all parts will play out.
This leader knows that during times of disruptive change, “owning it” is exactly what the employee needs to hear. Enter the lyrics of Hawkmoon 269 by U2, thanks Bono!
- Like a desert needs rain
- Like a town needs a name
- Like a drifter needs a room
- Like a Phoenix rising needs a holy tree
What the employee of the company needs to know is that the this decision was made with full awareness of the weight it will cause some to bear.
What this leader and their company are “owning” to their staff is this:
- We have made an intentional change that we believe will positively impact our company for the foreseeable future.
- This will better align us and enable us to fulfill our purpose, which is a significant reason you came to work here.
- While this change will introduce a bump and a wrinkle in our day to day, we are committed to you.
- We anticipate this will affect our sales team the most and want you to know that we have thought through this.
- You will all be invited into a conversation to see how this might impact you in the coming year.
There you have it!
Owned and Made right.
Not only has this approach further cemented trust between the organization and its people, it has shown the power of forethought (thinking of someone, even when they are not in plain sight).
Proud of this leader and the organization they represent.
Now, if I can just remember to apply this principal in my own life.