Are You an Owner?

This month, I am pleased to have Rick Dunham write a guest post for Lead With Your Life. Rick is not only my brother-in-law, but is founder and president of Dunham+Company which provides fundraising and marketing strategies for over 50 nonprofit organizations globally. He is also the author of Secure: Discovering True Financial Freedom and If God Will Provide, Why Do We Have to Ask for Money?

Are You an Owner?

From the time we are born we know the power of ownership. Even now when I’m with our grandkids (ages 2-11), “Mine!” is a word that is spoken pretty regularly.

There is something in the human heart that knows ownership brings power…independence…freedom. When you and I own something, it empowers us in a way nothing else can.

There is something in the human heart that knows ownership brings power.

Think of property ownership. The feudal lords maintained control over the masses because they owned the property. That’s why one of the fundamental tenets of America’s democracy is the right to personal ownership of property. In fact, for decades the only people in America who could vote were those who owned property.

Personal ownership does empower.

That’s why it’s important you own your failings, your shortcomings, and your imperfections, especially as a leader. When you do, it unleashes a power and freedom that can come in no other way.

When you own those parts of you that need fixin’ (as we would say in Texas), you live in the bright light of reality, not a reality of your own creation. You build respect. You are seen as authentic, transparent, and genuine.

You’re a leader people want to follow because they feel empowered and secure.

And they know they can trust you.

So welcome the hard conversation. Encourage the honest feedback. Don’t duck when you’re criticized. And don’t blame your mistakes on others.

Become an owner.

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