OWNERSHIP

Own it!

Picture this. You're in a Zoom call, caught up in an intense discussion about a groundbreaking new project. Among the group, there's a software engineer - Alex. He might not be the most seasoned member, but he's the one who buzzes with energy. He asks good questions, suggests creative solutions, and demonstrates a profound understanding of intricate technical details and user needs. His enthusiasm and dedication command respect. He owns the project, not by any formal decree, but through his quest to deliver value.

But why do I bring up Alex, you might wonder? Well, Alex embodies a trait that I have recognized as pivotal in any professional setting, but especially in software engineering: ownership. What I'm talking about isn't just responsibility or checking off tasks. It's about fully embracing the project's spirit, visualizing the broader picture, and constantly striving to create value at every step. It's about Alex's mindset, treating the project like his brainchild.

In my professional journey, I've worked with many “Alexs'’ each unique yet sharing a common denominator - a compelling sense of ownership. This trait has an uncanny ability to fuel software engineers’ effectiveness and accelerate their career growth.

In this piece, we’ll dive deep into ownership, its significance, and how to harness it to supercharge your career. So, if you want to amplify your influence within your team and organization, stay with me as we explore this transformative trait.

Understanding Ownership

But what is ownership? Let me illustrate with a story. Imagine you're tasked with building a new feature for a popular app. A regular engineer might see their role as coding, debugging, and delivering the part by the deadline.

But an engineer with a sense of ownership? They see things differently. They understand the business goals driving the feature. They empathize with the user's needs. They constantly brainstorm ways to optimize design and performance. They anticipate hurdles and come up with solutions. They communicate effectively with the team, giving and asking for feedback to improve the project quality. They're not just concerned about their tasks. They care about the entire value chain of the project.

Ownership is caring deeply for your work and committing yourself to deliver the highest possible value. When adopted consistently, this attitude can skyrocket a software engineer's career.

Why It Matters

Ownership is the secret sauce of successful projects and high-performing software engineers. When you, as an engineer, take ownership, you don't just contribute to the project - you elevate it. You challenge it, innovate it and strive for the best. You focus on how the code can work better, not just whether it works. You aim to deliver the best product within the deadline, not just meet it. As a result, you add value at every step. Over time, this value compounds, leading to better products, happier users, and a thriving business.

But it's not just about the project. Ownership fuels your personal and professional growth too. It pushes you to broaden your horizons, step out of your comfort zone, to tackle new challenges head-on. It gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, motivating you to improve constantly. It makes you stand out as a proactive, committed, and valuable team member, paving the way for career advancement.

A Crucial Distinction

It's important to distinguish between responsibility and ownership here. Responsibility is about ensuring your tasks are completed correctly and on time. It's a job requirement. But ownership? It's about taking the initiative, seeking opportunities to add value, and deeply caring about the project's success. It's a voluntary commitment to pursue excellence. It's the difference between saying, "I've done my part," and asking, "How can I make this even better?"

Cultivating Ownership

Cultivating ownership is not an overnight transformation. Instead, it's a journey requiring a mindset shift, a commitment to learning, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. I've been on this journey, and I can vouch for the transformative power of ownership.

In every role I've taken, I've thrived not because I was the smartest but because I consistently displayed the most ownership and coupled it with diligence. For example, I became a lead in one of my previous teams as soon as I joined them. There were folks more experienced and technically proficient than me, but the level of ownership I demonstrated set me apart.

I always sought to add the most value - optimizing code, proposing an innovative solution, or stepping up to help a teammate. I always focused on improving the project and driving it closer to success.

This mindset gained the trust of my leaders and my team. It wasn't just about my technical skills or work ethic but my dedication to the project and determination to deliver the best possible value.

To cultivate ownership, do the following:

1. Start by understanding the 'why' behind your tasks and focusing on the value you can deliver.

2. Seek feedback actively and use it to refine your work.

3. Treat failures as learning opportunities, and don't shy away from taking calculated risks.

Remember, ownership doesn't mean doing everything yourself. Instead, it involves effective collaboration and knowing when to delegate. A valid owner is also a team player who recognizes the value each member brings to the table.

Embark on this journey of cultivating ownership. It's a game-changer.

Fostering a Culture of Ownership

Companies play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of ownership among their engineers. It begins with creating an environment where taking ownership is encouraged, recognized, and rewarded. In addition, transparency is critical, as engineers who understand the bigger picture are better positioned to identify opportunities for adding value.

Autonomy is another critical factor. Engineers who are free to make decisions and solve problems in their way are likelier to take ownership of their work. As a result, they feel trusted and empowered, which boosts their motivation and commitment.

Recognition of ownership is equally important. When a company appreciates and rewards those who go above and beyond, it conveys that ownership is valued. This can take various forms, from verbal acknowledgment in team meetings to tangible rewards like promotions or bonuses.

Navigating the Challenges and Risks of Ownership

While ownership offers immense benefits, it's challenging. One potential pitfall is over-ownership, where an engineer feels solely responsible for the project's success and ends up overworking, leading to burnout. Therefore, balancing taking ownership and knowing when to delegate or ask for help is essential.

Another risk is neglecting team collaboration. While an owner needs to be proactive and independent, they should also value the input of their team members. Effective collaboration is crucial for delivering the best possible value.

Ownership also requires resilience. When you care deeply about a project, setbacks can hit hard. However, viewing these as learning opportunities and using them to fuel your growth is essential.

Embrace it!

Ownership is a powerful skill that can dramatically enhance your effectiveness as a software engineer and accelerate your career growth. By delivering value at every step, you can contribute to the success of your projects, team, and organization. While the journey to cultivate ownership requires effort and commitment, the rewards are well worth it.

So, take the plunge. Own your projects, own your growth, and watch as new opportunities unfold before you. The path to an impactful career in software engineering is paved with ownership. It's time to start.