What Does the Staff Own?

One of the complaints I often hear from retail executives, owners, and managers is that their employees don't take enough ownership in the business.  I always respond with the same question, "What have you given them to own?"

Doing what they're told to do is not ownership.  Owning is being responsible for something and then figuring out what to actually do. I like to see stores have every employee responsible for some function or area. Get them involved! Have them make some decisions and try new things, and maybe even make a mistake or two.

I suggested this to one retailer and she said, "Oh I can't ask a part-timer to do that."  Sure you can. Your customers don't know who is part-time and who is full-time.  They rarely know who is a manager and who isn't. All they know - all they need to know - is if they have a good experience or not.

So let me ask, what do your people own?