Yesterday, we had our first team meeting in six months—the last one was back in July 2024. If I hadn’t submitted my six-monthly performance review, I wonder if this meeting would’ve even happened. When asked what I liked least about my job, my answer was clear: “We haven’t had a team meeting for over six months, and I often feel disconnected from the team.”

During the meeting, my manager explained the lack of meetings in the latter half of the year, citing reasons like staff being on leave and competing priorities. While she announced that team meetings would now occur fortnightly, her comments left me feeling disheartened.

Why? Because she didn’t take ownership. For three months, she repeatedly assured me that she would schedule the meetings, but no action was taken.

Instead of acknowledging the oversight, she offered justifications that felt like excuses. It wasn’t the six-month gap that bothered me most—it was the way she handled the situation. Imagine if she had said something like:

“We haven’t had a team meeting for six months, and that’s not great for the team. My apologies—I should have prioritised this as a manager. Moving forward, I’ve scheduled meetings fortnightly to ensure we stay connected and engaged. I’ll make sure this doesn’t slip again because it’s important for our team culture.”

Had she responded this way, I would’ve felt respected and reassured. Instead, her defensiveness eroded my trust and respect. This moment got me thinking about the importance of taking ownership—not just at work but in all aspects of life.

Why Taking Ownership Matters

#1 Builds Trust and Credibility

When you take ownership, you demonstrate accountability. People respect leaders, colleagues, and peers who are willing to admit when they’ve fallen short. This builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong relationship—whether at work, at home, or with friends.

#2 Strengthens Relationships

Owning your mistakes shows humility and self-awareness. It also opens the door to constructive conversations. Whether it’s with your team, partner, or kids, admitting when you’re wrong allows others to feel valued and understood.

#3 Promotes Growth

Mistakes are opportunities to learn. When you take ownership, you not only model responsibility but also show others it’s okay to be imperfect. This mindset encourages personal and professional growth.

How to Take Ownership Effectively

#1 Acknowledge the Issue

Be honest about what went wrong. Avoid justifying or minimising the impact—it only undermines your credibility.

#2 Apologise Sincerely

A heartfelt apology goes a long way. It shows that you value the relationship and are committed to improving.

#3 Offer a Solution

Explain how you plan to address the issue and prevent it from happening again. This shifts the focus from blame to action.

Beyond the Workplace

Taking ownership isn’t just a workplace skill; it’s essential in all areas of life. For example:

• With Friends: If you miss plans or say something hurtful, owning up to it can repair and strengthen your bond.

We all make mistakes—it’s part of being human. What sets us apart is how we respond. Taking ownership isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a display of strength, integrity, and emotional intelligence. By being open and vulnerable, we invite understanding, respect, and trust.

So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, remember: the easiest way to gain credibility is to own your actions. Whether at work, at home, or among friends, taking ownership can transform relationships and foster growth.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you experienced a situation where someone’s lack of ownership impacted your trust in them? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Ready to take control of your life? I’d love to help. I offer a FREE 30-minute strategy call where we’ll chat about where you are, where you want to go, and how I can support you on your journey.

Subscribe to the blog for more transformative insights and practical tips to empower your journey! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for your daily dose of motivation, inspiration, and community updates. Let’s stay connected and grow together!