Workplace values, like ownership, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of ownership and 3 ways you can practice ownership at your office.
What is ownership?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, ownership refers to “the act, state or right of possessing something”. It can also refer to the state of “something that belongs to the person or thing mentioned”.
When placed into the context of a working environment, ownership can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use ownership as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice ownership at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of ownership at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice ownership through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing ownership within your own office space.
Taking responsibility for your work
Taking responsibility for your work is one of the first steps you can take to practice ownership at the workplace. Why, you wonder?
When completing a certain task that is expected of you, one should strive to produce work of great quality. This will enable one to take pride in his/her own work. Taking responsibility for one’s work will hence allow one’s efforts to be recognised at the office too.
This applies to the instances where you may have made some mistakes. We are after all, only human. As such, practicing responsibility can be as simple as owning up to the blunders you made have made along the way. It’s not just the positives we should be chasing.
When we learn to accept our own mistakes, we will also be given the opportunity to ensure that we don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future. Being accountable for the things expected of us is one way to practice the workplace value of ownership in the office.
Thus, taking responsibility at work is one way to practice the workplace value of ownership in the office.
Complete your tasks and duties
One can also foster ownership at the workplace simply by completing your own tasks and duties too.
As a step further to the above-mentioned tip, one should also attempt to get their portion of the tasks done and sorted out in a timely fashion. This simple yet meaningful act suggests to others that you are on top of things expected of you. It also sends out the message that you are doing your part, while contributing to the team effort of your workplace.
With that being said, here’s a key pointer you can take note of with regards to the workplace value of ownership. Set an agenda or a list of things you need to get done by the end of the day.
As you progress through your working hours, check items off your list as you complete them. This allows you to keep track of the things you are accountable for. It can also help you manage your time better.
When you’re able to complete your own duties punctually, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of ownership in a simple yet efficient manner.
Welcome suggestions, feedback and criticisms openly
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of collaboration is by welcoming suggestions, feedback and criticisms. Create some room for your colleagues to approach you with feedback about the way things are being done at work.
Take the initiative to make others feel like you are approachable and easy to talk to. Ensure that you listen actively when they come to speak with you. Encourage one another to share feedback. It is the road to improvement, after all.
On top of listening actively, paying attention to your colleagues and asking the right questions can help you get a better sense of their ideas too. Ask questions in return to ensure that you have indeed understood what their suggestions are all about. Brainstorm together to improve on these ideas too.
Take criticisms in the right spirit. Seek advice and clarifications. Remember the big picture and work hand-in-hand with your colleagues to improve current situations. Offer your thoughts and get more heads thinking on the matter too.
These are methods to express how you are in control of your career growth journey. You’d be practicing the workplace value of ownership in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of ownership. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice ownership at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
