Key: Think and act like owners
We take responsibility for the organization.
We take responsibility for our own thoughts, words, and actions.
Ownership is all about taking responsibility.
A) Own the organization: Corporate Responsibility
To think and act as an owner is the same thing as having an owner’s mindset. When you become a part of our ministry, God makes you an owner. Ownership implies taking responsibility for the organization. It’s not about power and authority but about service. Jesus taught his disciples, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” Another translation of his words says, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mat. 20:26).
Behaviors that show that one is thinking and acting as an owner of the organization include:
- Owns our culture, mission, and vision, supporting, growing/shepherding, protecting, and defending it.
- Takes it personally. It is our organization and everything we do.
- Contributes to stewarding the organization, knowing that no matter their position, God can use them to impact the organization. Looks forward to hearing Jesus tell them, “Good and faithful servant for their stewardship of the ministry”
- Ensures that the organization is abiding in Christ and producing much fruit.
- Has a sense of ownership of the entire organization and seeks the good of the organization.
- Takes responsibility for the growth and well-being of the entire organization.
- Prays and intercedes regularly for God’s blessing on the organization and the people who serve there.
- Ensure that the organization has a good testimony and then defend the organization from those who attack it.
- Shows strong loyalty to the organization and the people who serve there.
- Gives generously to support the organization.
- Participates in finding money to pay the workers (team members).
- Commits to the long-term success of the organization. Owners don’t leave their organizations like hired hands do. Who will they leave the work to? If they feel called by God to move on, they work to put their organization in good hands. Even when they depart, they do everything in their power to ensure the future success of the organization just like a parent would do for their child if they were dying.
- Will not let the weakness of other team members drive them out of the organization, no matter who those team members are. Instead, s/he prays and humbly, honorably, and patiently works to bring about positive change.
- Continuously learns and grows so that their lack of skills doesn’t slow the organization down.
- Loves the people of the organization as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
An organization in which people act as owners gives people the opportunity to be accountable for their results without being micromanaged.
Q: In what ways am I personally taking ownership and engaging in advancing our mission, vision, and culture?
Verses
Jeremiah 29:7-11 NIV
“‘Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.’ Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says . . .’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'”
John 10:11-18 NIV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Related Article: Owner vs. Employee Mentality.
B) Own yourself: Personal responsibility
Before people can take responsibility for the organization, they must first take responsibility for themselves. Before you can lead others, you must first lead yourself. Before you can own the organization, you must first own yourself. Personal responsibility precedes corporate responsibility.
Personal responsibility is related to authenticity. It’s owning yourself and taking responsibility for your actions. That is to be responsible for our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. We “own” the choices we make and the results that follow. People who own themselves and take personal responsibility are willing to take responsibility for the choices they make. They don’t blame others for their behavior. When we take responsibility for our choices and actions, others know they can count on us, and we earn their respect. If we tell someone we will do something and don’t do it, we need to take responsibility for it. We don’t make excuses or give reasons why we did not do it. When we take responsibility for our actions, we affirm that we are in control of our lives.
Behaviors that show that one is taking responsibility for their own actions include:
- Takes responsibility for his/her actions.
- Doesn’t make excuses. “No excuses. No ifs, ands, or buts.”
- Figures it out and gets it done.
People with an ownership mentality first own themselves and then also own the organization.
Q: In what ways am I taking responsibility for my actions?
