As the leader of your small business, I’m sure that you’ve learned that your team is your most valuable asset. The success of your company depends on the dedication, innovation, and passion of the people who work for and with you.

You know the expectations of the workplace have changed. Employee satisfaction rules right now, and you need to avoid turnover and disruptions to your business.

I run a lean team, but a very fulfilled one. I am asked very frequently how I found such dedicated employees. My answer: Make sure they feel ownership of their jobs.

This isn’t some canned response. It’s the talk I walk. My employees don’t show up for their paychecks. They show up because they want to do the work. They show up because they feel committed to the business. They show up because they’re passionate about helping other entrepreneurs. They show up 100%. Never less.

It’s all part of the FASO model in All In. As you may know by now, it looks like this:

F – Fit

A – Ability

S – Safety

O – Ownership

Make your employees feel like owners? You bet. Because when you treat your team as partners, they act like partners. Then you have more people helping you protect and elevate your small business. (I mean, how often do you feel as though you’d love to clone yourself?)

The first answer to any challenge a person faces is to make that person feel empowered and capable right? Once I fostered a sense of ownership in my team’s roles, performance improved, my office was a happy place, and my revenue was better supported.

Let’s take a moment here. Think about the environments, relationships, and even material things that you have in your life that you love. You tend to them, right? They are a part of you, and your daily life, and you likely take pride in them. You mow your grass, clean your home, polish off that lacrosse trophy (sorry, just me?), and try to keep the things you like in great condition, right? It’s a matter of pride in ownership, and that’s reflected in your actions. Similarly, when an employee feels connected to their roles, they take great measures to protect them.

What you get

• Performance boost – When employees feel a sense of ownership over their roles, they are more likely to go the extra mile.
• Innovation – Empowered employees think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to challenges. They are invested in the success of the company and want to see it flourish.
• Accountability –  Ownership instills a sense of accountability in your team members because they feel as though their efforts directly contribute to the success of your small business.
• Efficiency – Empowered employees create more efficient systems to complete projects and tasks, which saves you resources.
• Happier workplace – Sure, you have a business to run, but do you want people to drag themselves into work, or would you rather they come in happy to be there? A workplace where employees feel ownership is a happier one.
• Purpose – Your team will cultivate a sense of purpose because they will understand the impact they have on their work.
• Autonomy – Ownership comes with a degree of autonomy. Employees appreciate the trust placed in them to make decisions, which boosts job satisfaction.
• Credit where credit is due – Recognition and appreciation of employee ownership makes your team feel valued, which is a significant contributor to workplace happiness.
• Increased Revenue – The connection between employee ownership and increased revenue is very straightforward. Your team will be advocates of your bank accounts!
• Customer satisfaction – When employees take ownership of their roles, they are more likely to provide exceptional service, which results in repeat business.
• Productivity – More engaged and motivated employees are more productive, which leads to increased output (and more revenue!).
• Innovation – Ownership encourages innovative thinking, and that develops into potential new systems, services, and expansion of your market and revenue streams.

How do you get the results? Foster that employee ownership!

• Clear communication – Ensure your employees understand your mission, values, and objectives. Transparent communication helps your team see how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
• Empowerment – Providing your employees with agency to make decisions within their roles is paramount. Encourage them to take that initiative.
• Celebrate – Regularly recognize employee achievements. For instance, we have a huddle every Tuesday to discuss our goals and a board where we shout out to each other regarding an accomplishment. And yes, there are prizes. It’s called positive reinforcement!
• Professional development – Take an interest in the professional development and growth of your team members. Offer training and development opportunities that empower them to excel in their roles.

One of the beautiful aspects of owning your own business is that you have the unique opportunity to create an environment where your employees thrive, find fulfillment, and contribute to your company’s success. When they feel that your success is their success – well that’s the key to unlocking higher-performing teams, happier employees, and increased revenue. Foster that ownership in your people! They will be passionate contributors to your shared success.

Here’s to sustaining your thriving business.

Wishing you health and wealth, always.

– Mike