There are two books that have impacted me the most over the years. The first is the Bible. But the second is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willinick. Now, Jocko’s book details the mind-set and principles that enable Navy Seal units to accomplish their missions, and how to apply them to any team, family or organization. I want to share with you how I’ve applied it in my life.
Extreme ownership really starts within you. It starts in your mind and with your mindset. Are you going to wake up grumpy, depressed or happy? You control your thoughts and your thought patterns, which determines how your day is going to start. You also control what you let into your mind too. Be confident and take ownership of what you let in.
Take ownership of your relationships and manage them properly and own things. You need to pay your respects and give thanks to those that have stepped in and helped you along the way to give you a massive helping hand and opportunities. Appreciation is a huge part of taking ownership.
Be truly appreciative of your staff. Make sure they know you are appreciative of them. That is on you and you alone! Own it, do it and express your appreciation. The way you treat your staff is how they treat your customers. Lead by example in all sides of your business… in front of your staff, in front of your customers and even behind the scenes. It becomes habit forming.
Also, be appreciative of your family. We are “Type A” personalities, which means we are very busy people. It’s important to spend time with your family. It’s not only a gift to them, but it’s a gift to you. Our families are like a steam valve and allow us to come back refreshed.
Don’t forget to share with your family and respect your family. Make sure they know what you are doing, what your plan is. Do they know what you are up to and why? Finally, make sure you love your family and share that love every chance you get. They need to hear it, they need to know it. Don’t assume they know, take ownership and tell them.
Take ownership in your planning. Plan within your business and have a well laid out plan with your staff. Thing will never go as planned, so have a flexible plan that you and your staff can adapt to with clear marching orders. Then, be able to measure what you have done. Having goals and tracking them as part of that plan is really important.
Have extreme ownership in the things you are involved in. The detailing industry, the International Detailing Association, The Detail Mafia, your business, your relationships. Look sharp, be sharp, talk sharp. You are a representative of the detailing industry, take ownership of that.
Finally, take ownership of your community. We take withdrawals and make a living from our community, but we need to remember to make deposits, to give back, take action, be involved and be a great member of your community.
When we take ownership of our thoughts and relationships, are appreciative of our staff and family, plan within our businesses, measure our successes and failures and take ownership in our industry and our communities, we can and will move ahead and find success.
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