Dual ownership is no ownership

As soon as I heard this it made sense. You can’t have total ownership if you are sharing it with someone.

That’s when things fall between the cracks. 

You think they are looking after it. 

They think you are looking after it.

No one takes ownership and instead there is excuses (if you’ve not read about OAR/BED then have a quick google!)

With total ownership it is someone’s responsibility alone.

The buck stops with them.

But they also have a very clear expectation as to what is required of them. 

It gives the team member clarity.

It gives the business a direct reporting line for responsibility.

Now, because you have total ownership for something doesn’t mean that you are the only person using or looking after that workspace / piece of machinery / equipment / software – everyone in the team has a responsibility to maintain the standard that you set. But it is your responsibility to ensure that the equipment / area is fully maintained and is ready to go the next day. And if someone isn’t adhering to the standard…then it’s your responsibility to hold them accountable.