Ownership ... make it your own!

In fact, the very nature of today's business culture demands it. It is no longer enough to have staff willing to take direction from the top; the people who really shine are those who come up with innovative ideas to increase profit or decrease loss, improve processes or quality, improve customer service or expand brand awareness. So, how does one do that? By making the business or company your own.

That doesn't mean staging a coup and taking over. It means thinking like an entrepreneur. The first step is understanding and accepting the vision, mission and values of the leadership, then making it your own. Believe in it passionately. Live it. That's true ownership. I don't care if you are in sales or a secretary. Become a representative of your company, an ambassador of goodwill.

One of the first questions I ask of someone working for another company is, "How do you like it?" If I am told they do not like it, I have immediately lost interest in the company and their product or service. With the opposite reply, however, my interest is immediately peaked. The more passion with which they speak, the more interested I become.

I view the company for which I work as mine. I am dedicated to helping it grow and to helping our people develop the future they want and deserve. Intention is everything. I am not out for more personal power, raises or political influence. I want the company and the people in it to succeed. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see our students and staff succeed.

Do you feel the same? You should.

By Dr Bill Gould

Human resources director

Wall Street Institute, Thailand

www.wallstreet.in.th