Taking Extreme Ownership: Key to Leadership Success

If you only have one strategy as a leader, let it be this – take extreme ownership. Take radical responsibility. Take ultimate accountability.

Own it.

If you are a leader, and it happens in your patch, on your watch, within proximity of you, guess what – you own it. Plain and simple.

It is no secret that I love the book by the same name by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin – I bought another seven copies today to give away to leaders, to help them embrace the principles in the book.

Some leaders balk at taking extreme ownership.

Because it is hard work. I agree, it is. It takes effort, and it takes commitment.

You don’t get to accept it anymore.

You don’t get to walk past it anymore.

You don’t get to give up on trying to solve the problem anymore.

If it happens on your watch, you own it.

Because what you walk past, or what you accept, you condone. Which is alright, if you don’t want a high performing and highly effective team …

Here are three ways leaders can embrace extreme ownership to drive results:

1.      Embrace Accountability

True leaders understand that accountability starts at the top. They don't blame external factors or point fingers when things go wrong. Instead, they own up to mistakes, learn from them, and take proactive steps to rectify the situation.

True leaders don’t play the victim card, they aren’t defeated, and they don’t give up. They have a positive outlook, and they keep trying (and keep asking) until they get the problem solved.

True leaders foster a culture of accountability within their teams. These leaders inspire trust and foster a sense of ownership among team members. When everyone feels responsible for the outcome, collective performance improves, and obstacles become opportunities for growth.

2.      Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words, and leaders who embody extreme ownership lead by example. They demonstrate commitment, resilience, and integrity in everything they do, setting the standard for their team members to follow.

Whether it's working late to meet a deadline or diving into the trenches during a crisis, they show their dedication to the mission and inspire others to do the same. By consistently demonstrating ownership and accountability, leaders earn respect and loyalty from their teams, fostering a culture of excellence and high performance.

3.      Empower and Allocate

Extreme ownership doesn't mean micromanaging every detail. Instead, it's about empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. Effective leaders allocate (or delegate, whatever sits right for you) authority, provide clear direction, and trust their teams to deliver results.

By empowering individuals to make decisions and take initiative, leaders foster a sense of ownership and accountability at all levels of the organization. This not only frees up leaders to focus on strategic priorities but also unleashes the full potential of their teams, driving innovation and driving results.

In conclusion, embracing extreme ownership is essential for leaders who want to drive results and foster a culture of accountability and excellence within their organizations. By embracing accountability, leading by example, and empowering their teams, leaders can inspire greatness and achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Let's continue to strive for excellence and drive results through extreme ownership!

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About Anton

Anton has dedicated his working life to helping leaders to upgrade their mindset, upskill their leadership, and uplift their teams! With a focus on helps leaders to better lead under pressure. Anton is an entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, bestselling author and founder of The Guinea Group. Over the past 19 years, Anton has worked with over 175+ global organisations, he has inspired workplace leadership, safety, and cultural change. He’s achieved this by combining his corporate expertise, education (Bachelor of HR and Psychology), and infectious energy levels.

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