With my team here at Singularity University I have one golden rule: “Whatever you do, whatever the result – you own it.”
I give my team a very large degree of freedom in what they do and how they do it. I don’t particular care from where they work, when they work and how they go about solving a particular problem. I simply care most about the outcome (as long as we are not cutting corners, doing things in unethical ways, not playing nice with others, etc). The team can always rely on me for being there for them, helping and supporting them when they need me. But otherwise I let them find their own way.
With freedom comes responsibility. I expect them to live up to the mantra:
“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.”
You own your wins and losses. You can not make excuses. You have to own your stuff.
I firmly believe that this creates the best conditions for people to thrive, grow and lead.
Try it out. Own it!
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