Ownership of our actions
By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute
A coaching buddy, Dan Paulson, and I were discussing the challenges people encounter and ways to overcome them.
What challenges are you facing right now? I am sure things like the economy and gas prices are weighing heavily on your mind. We often think we do not have enough time to get to all that needs to be done. What is your plan to deal with these obstacles? The first step is taking ownership and not being the victim. This article shares some insights we thought of that can help you take control.
What makes some people more “successful” thanile others? Wheach individual has unique attributes, all successful people have something in common: ownership.
Successful people take ownership of their own development and their own actions. Be aware of the power you have to build your own success, however you define it.
Have you ever met people who fail to take responsibility for their own actions? They believe their performance is directly tied to those around them. They rely on bosses or co-workers for their success. They blame others for failures, but rarely take ownership themselves.
When other people are responsible for your success, you’re powerless to do anything about it. If you blame others for failures, your attitude, work performance, and morale will suffer.
Try a different approach. Take control of the situation by taking ownership of your actions. When a conversation or outcome doesn’t work as expected ask, “What did I do to create this?” Own your circumstances so you can work toward solutions.
Ownership means you:
- Quit the blame game. Avoid pointing the finger at someone else. Examine your own responsibility for the situation first.
- Practice daily self-improvement. Read books and research. Consult a friend, mentor, or coach.
- Apply your learning. Applied knowledge is power.
Next time you find yourself blaming someone or something for your shortcomings, think about this formula for success. Taking ownership of your life can produce extraordinary results.
Five steps to success:
To start on the path to your own personal success recite these five statements as a commitment to your performance:
1. I take 100 percent responsibility for my own success, both personally and professionally.
2. I am committed to continuous daily growth and improvement.
3. I am committed to discovering what I need to do to be successful, both personally and professionally.
4. I am committed to learning how to do what I need to do to be successful, both personally and professionally.
5. I am committed to taking action on what I know and what I have learned.
Nancy Proffitt, MBA, Certified Business Coach is the president of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute, an internationally recognized Leadership coaching firm dedicated to unleashing the full potential of individuals and organizations. She may be reached at 561-582-6060 or email:
Nancy@proffittmanagement.com . Visit her website at www.proffittmanagement.com
