::: Does ownership create stress?

"Ownership" is a hot theme today. It would be interesting to spend some time understanding the concept of ownership and what it means to employees and the Organisation.

I thought it would be useful to explore another dimension of ownership and that is the issue of stress and ownership.

One of the aspects of ownership which comes up very often in all my discussions with executives on the subject of ownership is the fact that taking ownership is a painful process and creates a lot of stress!

Let us understand this little better by describing a person who takes ownership.

A person who takes ownership directs all his efforts and actions to achieve results. He exerts effort till such time that results are achieved. He goes beyond his role and does "whatever" needs to be done to get things done. He worries not only about things in his work area but about the results that are finally necessary. He is conscious of consequences and is concerned about resources.

He takes decisions but also suffers his decisions and the consequences of the same. The more he takes ownership, he realizes that the Organisation expects more out of him and a lot is always on his plate.

Phrases like "I have done my best", "this is not my job", "what can I do", "don't ask me", "it's not my problem" are not part of his lexicon.

Well, if this is what a high ownership person looks like, it is realistic to believe that he is a worry ridden, much hassled and stressed individual.

My answer is "Yes" and "No".

Yes, a high ownership person has a lot of stress. He worries a lot.

There are however three significant differences.

The first difference is that his stress and worries are a source of energy and inspiration for him to act. The worries do not immobilize him. They empower him and drive him to act.

On the other hand, people who worry and carry a lot of anxieties and get immobilized, continue to worry and not act. They get into a state of depression and defeatist mind-set. This to me has a lot of harmful effect. On the other hand, if one acts based on how one feels, I see a lot of congruence and a lot of "listening to and responding to one's inner voice".

The second difference is even more significant. The person with high ownership is taking on a lot not because he is forced to but because he likes it that way.

Let's understand this a little better.

Many of us end up doing things beyond the brief. Many of us take on additional work responsibilities. However, we see it as our ill fate, our misfortune, the evil designs of others to get away easily and so on.

Many of us do these things but with a frown.

Real high ownership individuals do what they do because they really enjoy it. They do it because in their minds they do not see tasks as finely sliced. Their self-realization is so high that they are willing to live with these grays. Since they have a positive disposition to the work they do, they enjoy it, looking at it as a learning opportunity and looking forward to taking on more.

As long as one enjoys what one does, stress does not harm. In fact, someone once said that a complete surrender to work with concentration and focus is a form of meditation!

The third difference is to do with spiritual and philosophical orientation to work and work related pressures and anxieties.

Some of us tend to internalize all the blame around us and feel responsible. Those with high ownership are aware of all that is going wrong and needs fixing. They do what they can in the situation but do not get burdened by guilt, blame and fear.

This is very important. The energy to act comes only when you are liberated from the feeling of guilt and blame.

High ownership individuals realise the need to demonstrate ownership but also do not venture to do it all alone. They display the ability to create ownership in the people around them through a variety of skills. By building a team and winning support, they share the burden without feeling like the lone victim.

To summarize therefore, Ownership can create stress. However, individuals who display the capability of high ownership know how to use it as a wellspring of energy and not succumb to it.

So, go ahead, take ownership and enjoy it!!!