Why Your Team Won’t Take Ownership (and Why It’s Your Fault)
Leaders often complain that their teams won’t take accountability. They say things like: “My team just doesn’t step up. They don’t take ownership.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the reason your team doesn’t take ownership is because you haven’t given it to them.
Ownership Isn’t Taken. It’s Given.
We expect our people to “own” their work. But ownership requires freedom — the freedom to make decisions, to be creative, to innovate. If you hold all the decision-making power and enforce rigid policies and procedures, you leave your team with no space to own anything.
If they have to check in with you every time they hit a stop sign, they’re not driving the car. You are.
The Leadership Mirror
It’s easy to point the finger at your team when they don’t step up. But if you’re serious about accountability, you need to look in the mirror.
Have you delegated authority, not just tasks?
Have you given permission for others to make mistakes and learn?
Have you let go of control, even when it feels uncomfortable?
If the answer is “no,” then your team isn’t failing you. You’re failing them.
What Ownership Looks Like
When leaders genuinely empower their people, three things happen:
Creativity flourishes. People stop waiting for permission and start innovating.
Accountability grows. With authority comes responsibility — real ownership of results.
Leaders are freed. By letting go, leaders move from micromanaging to guiding strategy.
The Bottom Line
Your team won’t take ownership if you’re clutching it in your hands. If you want accountability, you need to give people something to be accountable for.
So stop asking why your team won’t step up. Ask instead: “Have I truly given them the space to own their work?”
Because ownership isn’t something you demand. It’s something you empower.
Thanks for reading,
Phil