How can team members take ownership of innovation projects?

1 Why ownership matters

Ownership is the sense of responsibility and accountability that team members feel for the outcomes of their innovation projects. Ownership motivates team members to go beyond their usual tasks and roles, to seek feedback, to experiment, to learn, and to collaborate. Ownership also empowers team members to make decisions and take actions that align with the vision and goals of the organization. When team members own their innovation projects, they are more likely to deliver value, quality, and impact.

2 How to create ownership

Creating ownership is an ongoing process that requires communication, trust, and support. To foster ownership among your team members for their innovation projects, you should communicate the purpose and vision of the project, define the scope and expectations, delegate authority and autonomy, and provide feedback and recognition. Explain why the project is important, what it aims to achieve, and how it aligns with the organization's strategy and values. Set clear objectives, timeline, budget, and resources. Give team members the freedom to plan, organize, and execute their project without micromanaging or interfering. Provide constructive feedback on their work and recognize their efforts. Show them that you value their contributions and appreciate their work. Celebrate their successes and learn from their failures.

3 How to sustain ownership

Sustaining ownership is an active and intentional effort that requires engagement, learning, and adaptation. To ensure ownership among your team members for their innovation projects, engage them in continuous improvement by soliciting their feedback and implementing their ideas. Learn from the team members and share their knowledge by asking them to document their processes and outcomes. Adapt to any changing needs and context of the innovation project by monitoring internal and external factors, adjusting goals and plans as needed, and communicating the changes to the team members. Additionally, support them to cope with any difficulties or obstacles they may face.

4 How to benefit from ownership

Benefiting from ownership is not only about achieving the desired results of the innovation project, but also about enhancing the skills, capabilities, and satisfaction of the team members. Owning innovation projects can improve the quality and efficiency of a project, as team members are more motivated and committed to delivering value and impact. It can also increase creativity and diversity, as team members are more willing to explore different perspectives and approaches. Additionally, ownership can boost morale and retention as team members feel valued and respected for their work. Finally, it can develop the skills and capabilities of your team members, as they learn new knowledge, acquire new competencies, and expand their networks and opportunities.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?