Theme: How to build an ownership culture in organizations

Date: November 18, 2021 | 13:30 GMT – 14:45 GMT

Moderator: Moses Cofie, Country Director, Emerging Public Leaders, Ghana

Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84377356816

Abstract: The success and sustainability of a project, an organization, a venture, etc. are largely influenced by how much its stakeholders apply their intellect, passion, and diligence (in other words, take ownership) to solving the problem at hand. While material resources are key to achieving a goal, human behavior (and mindset) is considered more critical to achieving success.

Historically, man is considered inherently selfish and tends to look out for himself, to maximize his advantage. We usually demonstrate ownership for things that belong to or concern us. When it comes to things that belong to others, the community and the state, we do not really care. However, examples abound about the successes that teams that are united behind a vision can chalk; the same goes for people who set their minds to bring about change in their circumstances. These examples speak to the fact that there are proven ways of delivering sustained success in a venture or life.

This session seeks to provoke discussions about what factors stakeholders have found to significantly contribute to success in their endeavors. It will use the OARBED behavior model to emphasize the need for people to develop a sense of ownership in what they do; anything short of that will yield sub-optimal outcomes. The intended objective of the session is twofold; to challenge stakeholders to utilize its lessons to develop a successful culture for their programs; and also, to impact their beneficiary organizations and students with this culture.

Discussion Questions

• What are key areas of challenge for you in your regular work?
• For which of your tasks do you make the most excuses or pass the blame on others?
• Which tasks could you do much better than you’re doing currently?
• Which of your tasks puts you in a state of inertia?
• What is your motivation in life? What drives you every morning to wake up and get going?
• To what extent do obstacles stop you from achieving planned program goals?
• With the benefit of this training on OARBED, how can you overcome these challenges?