Embracing ownership and empowering yourself for success
By Alina Diacan, MESA Intern
This MESA June 4M meeting had a very interesting thought-provoking topic, led by Sébastien Braun, MESA Patron Member, CEO and Founder - idloom, MESA Patron Member and with reflection from John Martinez, Founder & CEO - Shocklogic, MESA Patron Member.
In today's fast-paced world, achieving success can be an uphill battle. With so many variables to consider, it can be difficult to handle the journey. In both personal and professional circumstances, responsibility, accountability, and ownership are three fundamental attributes that are highly valued.
Your job description outlines your responsibilities and duties as an employee. It is important to take these responsibilities seriously and to understand the impact they have on the success of your organisation. Furthermore, accountability is a crucial aspect of ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. When team members are held accountable, they are more likely to take their responsibilities seriously and work towards achieving the team's goals. This, in turn, leads to better performance and increased productivity.
However, assigning accountability alone is not enough to guarantee success.Taking ownership of your responsibilities is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. By embracing ownership, we stop blaming others, gain confidence and take control of our circumstances. Furthermore, we become more committed to our work, and take pride in our achievements. This shift in mindset empowers us to make necessary adjustments, set boundaries, and establish healthier patterns.
While you can assign accountability, ownership is something that team members or others must take upon themselves. It cannot be enforced. Instead, it must be fostered through the creation of a culture that values and encourages personal growth, collaboration, and accountability.
Ownership goes hand in hand with setting boundaries, recognising our limitations, and avoiding overcommitment. We often find ourselves struggling to fit everything into our busy schedules. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and stress, which can have a negative impact on our productivity and well-being. Stress has become a common problem for many people, and the event industry is particularly affected. This is especially true when it comes to learning new skills or gaining knowledge, reaching various project management milestones, and meeting deadlines. Acknowledging your limitations is a crucial part of taking ownership.
Helen Moon, Chief Executive at EventWell also shared her top 5 stress tips for busy minds during the call:
1. Write your ideas
Have you ever noticed that you come up with your best ideas when you're not actively trying to think of them? We tend to experience moments of inspiration while engaging in simple activities. Maybe you're out for a walk, or taking a shower, and suddenly a brilliant idea pops into your head. It is common to happen because when we're not actively focusing on a problem, our brains are free to make connections and come up with creative solutions. By jotting down our ideas, we capture them before they slip away, opening doors to innovation and creative problem-solving.
So, the next time you're struck with a stroke of genius while out for a walk or taking a shower, make sure to jot it down.
2. Take regular breaks
It's easy to get caught up in work and forget to take breaks. However, this is essential for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. One technique that can help with this is the "Pomodoro" technique, which proves highly effective when struggling with a heavy workload. This involves breaking work down into manageable chunks and taking short breaks every 45 minutes. These breaks can be anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes long, depending on your preference. This way, you give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, which can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
3. Deep belly breathing
Have you ever felt overwhelmed or stressed out during a busy workday? Do you find it difficult to focus on tasks or come up with new ideas? The good news is that there are techniques you can use to calm the body and reduce anxiety by deep belly breathing. One such technique is the Box Breathing Exercise, also known as the 4-4-4 technique, which is a simple yet effective breathing exercise that can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, signalling to your brain that you are safe and no longer need to rely on the fight, flight, or freeze response. Experience clarity, productivity, and creativity like never before.
4. Pausing
Pausing before reacting emotionally is a crucial step in maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. When we react emotionally, we often say or do things that are not productive or helpful. Reacting impulsively to challenging situations often leads to negative outcomes. Instead, by cultivating the habit of pausing and responding thoughtfully, we can exercise better control over our actions and decisions. This approach allows us to assess the situation objectively, consider alternative perspectives, and respond with greater clarity, thereby fostering better relationships and achieving more positive outcomes.
5. Go into the nature
We often forget to take a step back and prioritise our health and well-being. One simple way to do this is by going outside and getting some fresh air.
Adopting a mindset of ownership can have a transformative impact on our lives. By incorporating the five stress management tips discussed in this article, we can nurture a sense of responsibility, build trust, and create a culture that encourages ownership. By doing so, we gain the power to navigate challenges with confidence, set boundaries, and take control of our personal and professional lives. Let us embrace ownership and embark on a journey of empowerment and success.
Accountability is all about taking ownership of one's actions and being responsible for the outcomes.
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