Thank you for continuously blessing us with such valuable intel. This is amazing, I’m not even a software engineer and yet I find this applicable to anyone who’s exploring different career fields!
How does one distinguish between performative ownership, and the deep real owner who cares? I would guess along your career you've noticed those who act in ways which resemble those who cultivate ownership, merely to get the accolades, promotions and rewards; how do you spot genuine authentic ownership?
Or, is this not the case - meaning, ownership it's hard to fake?
Yes, some people do fake ownership. They show up loud on the easy things like visible work, big meetings, or anything that gets praise. But real ownership shows up when no one’s watching. When something’s broken, boring, or risky and someone still takes it on, finishes it, and owns the outcome.
You can’t fake that for long. Over time, intent shows. People who care, really care, stick with the hard parts. The rest fade when things stop being shiny.
So yes, I’ve seen both. And I’ve learned to pay attention to consistency and follow-through. That’s where the truth is.
So ownership during winter months is what's valuable, you'd say (because during exciting summer months it is convenient)?
One other thread I'd want to pull here: what's the line that distinguishes ownership from leadership? As I read this comment of yours, I noticed, these pointers you got to draw here, sounded tons to what authentic leadership is. In what areas do ownership and leadership overlap versus diverge?
Yeah, both matter, but only one is true. One shows up in summer and winter. The other disappears when it’s no longer convenient. So you can’t trust it. That’s the difference.
Leadership and ownership overlap, but they’re not the same. I see leadership as someone who carries ownership and pulls others with them. Someone with ownership might still be a follower. They care deeply, do the work, and take responsibility, but they’re not driving others forward.
You can’t be a real leader without ownership, but you can have ownership and still not lead. Leadership is louder, shapes direction, and holds weight for others. Ownership is the foundation; leadership is what you build on top.
Brilliant. I'll take some time in order to take this in, digest, let it manifest in life. For now, thank you, poignant and nuanced expression of the insights. I'm sure I will notice dynamics I overlooked beforehand.
Thank you for continuously blessing us with such valuable intel. This is amazing, I’m not even a software engineer and yet I find this applicable to anyone who’s exploring different career fields!
Thank you very much for the feedback! I’m happy to know that this is adding value to you Naomi.
How does one distinguish between performative ownership, and the deep real owner who cares? I would guess along your career you've noticed those who act in ways which resemble those who cultivate ownership, merely to get the accolades, promotions and rewards; how do you spot genuine authentic ownership?
Or, is this not the case - meaning, ownership it's hard to fake?
Great question.
Yes, some people do fake ownership. They show up loud on the easy things like visible work, big meetings, or anything that gets praise. But real ownership shows up when no one’s watching. When something’s broken, boring, or risky and someone still takes it on, finishes it, and owns the outcome.
You can’t fake that for long. Over time, intent shows. People who care, really care, stick with the hard parts. The rest fade when things stop being shiny.
So yes, I’ve seen both. And I’ve learned to pay attention to consistency and follow-through. That’s where the truth is.
So ownership during winter months is what's valuable, you'd say (because during exciting summer months it is convenient)?
One other thread I'd want to pull here: what's the line that distinguishes ownership from leadership? As I read this comment of yours, I noticed, these pointers you got to draw here, sounded tons to what authentic leadership is. In what areas do ownership and leadership overlap versus diverge?
Yeah, both matter, but only one is true. One shows up in summer and winter. The other disappears when it’s no longer convenient. So you can’t trust it. That’s the difference.
Leadership and ownership overlap, but they’re not the same. I see leadership as someone who carries ownership and pulls others with them. Someone with ownership might still be a follower. They care deeply, do the work, and take responsibility, but they’re not driving others forward.
You can’t be a real leader without ownership, but you can have ownership and still not lead. Leadership is louder, shapes direction, and holds weight for others. Ownership is the foundation; leadership is what you build on top.
Brilliant. I'll take some time in order to take this in, digest, let it manifest in life. For now, thank you, poignant and nuanced expression of the insights. I'm sure I will notice dynamics I overlooked beforehand.
Glad it landed. That’s the real game, seeing what was always there but unnoticed.
Appreciate the thoughtful convo.
The appreciation is reciprocal.