When you start a business, your passion is likely associated with the type of company you start. That passion motivates you through tough times. However, it is unlikely that everyone who works for you is as passionate as you are about your company and its mission. These strategies can encourage your employees to develop an ownership spirit about your company.

Set Goals Together

You probably developed a business plan, mission statement, vision, and values at the start of your company. This plan should have included some long- and short-term goals. However, one of the best ways to gain buy-in from your staff members is by including them in your goal-setting and decision-making process.

Set aside time for brainstorming sessions to address current and future challenges and growth opportunities. Encourage departments to create processes and solutions that work best for them. Then, put these ideas up for a vote within the entire company. The employees who work on the proposals have an inherent connection to them, and because their opinions and thoughts are considered prior to implementation, the rest of your staff buys into these proposals, even if some members voted against the initiative.

Share Your Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Your staff needs to understand your company’s purpose. They need to learn why you chose this type of business and how it will help others or solve common problems. They should know about your ultimate goal and how you view success. You need to teach them your values and the reasons you adopted them.

Then, your team members should learn about your primary objectives for the year. Teach them about your business strategy and important initiatives or projects you plan for the upcoming season. Show them how they contribute to the completion of these projects. Encourage their feedback. This motivates your staff to take ownership of these projects.

Reward Your Staff

When you have team members that go above and beyond, reward them immediately. These individuals have taken ownership of your initiatives and company. They want to do everything they can to see you succeed. If you do not reward them in some way, they can become discouraged and lose their momentum and motivation.

Adopt Transparency

When you make major decisions within the company, especially those that impact your team, be open about them. It is a good idea to get them involved in the decision-making process, but if you cannot do so, share the full context of the decision and why it was made.

Your employees are your greatest asset, and when they adopt an ownership spirit, they willingly go beyond their job duties to ensure your success.