If you assign a task to my colleague Saranya, there is one thing you will never hear from her: “It was not my fault.”
She takes such complete ownership that she will either get it done or get back to you if there is an insurmountable obstacle.
In contrast, in my previous startup, we had a guy in his late fifties, whom we assigned significant responsibilities. Yet, if anything went wrong, the first thing you would hear is, “I am not at fault — I did my part.”
Despite his age and stature, he was not a leader but Saranya is.
If you want to get into leadership roles, a lot of things can help — e.g., problem-solving chops, people skills, courage, etc.
But there is one trait that no education or degree can impart — taking total ownership and not making excuses. It needs no special technical skill or training, just a different mindset.
Build this total ownership, no-excuse mindset, and in just a few years, you will see your career skyrocket.
– Rajan