What is Performance Ownership?

You already know what it is. You see it in the actions people take. You hear it in the conversations people have. You feel it in the pulse of the organisation.

You have already experienced it as a customer, as an employee or as a leader. It’s excellence, pride and passion. It’s an organisation that feels good about what it does. It’s people who feel alive at work, who believe in what they do and who believe that their work matters.

It’s a realisation that people will go one step further. And as a result, it’s great performance. It can’t be faked.

The following organisations are distinguished by this culture:

•  The John Lewis Partnership whose ultimate purpose is the happiness of all its members, through their worthwhile and satisfying employment in a successful business

• first direct who, in 2004, came in the top 4 companies for “work and family”, “work/life balance” and “best service overall” as well as being voted 47th in the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by the Sunday Times

• Virgin Atlantic whose mission is to grow a profitable airline, that people love to fly and where people love to work

In short, a culture of performance ownership is characterised by happy, motivated people who find meaning in their work and are emotionally attached to the success of their organisation.