#39 Five Steps to Cultivate Ownership in Others
Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.
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We all recognize ownership when we see it—the employee who goes out of their way to meet a customer’s needs, the team member who steps up when a coworker faces a family emergency, or the workplace where everyone seems genuinely engaged. But what sets these individuals apart? More importantly, what are their organizations doing to foster that sense of ownership?
In this episode, we’ll explore the foundational mindset of ownership—where it starts, how it develops, and how it drives exceptional performance. The interesting part? People don’t walk into a new workplace with ownership fully cultivated; we have to nurture it in them.
The good news is that no matter where your team members start, you can help them develop an ownership mindset that will set your organization apart. We’ll share practical tools to begin building this mindset right away, such as:
- Helping them understand the bigger picture by communicating the context of their work and the decisions behind it
- Building trust in their abilities through training, certifying, and empowering
- Giving them more authority and responsibility, enabling them to reach new levels of performance
Ownership is one of those principles that’s obvious when it’s present—and painfully absent when it’s not. By taking small, intentional steps, you’ll raise your team’s “give a care” factor, leading to a major impact on both performance and culture.
Related Episodes
Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.
Things Referenced in the Episode
- Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.
- Book by L. David Marquet, Turn the Ship Around!
- Book by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra, CEO Excellence
- Book by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey, An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization
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Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!
