YOU DON’T OWN THEM

Not your employees. Not your contractors. Not your suppliers.

In various fractional roles I have held over the past few years, I’ve seen this mindset creep in far too often:

• “I pay your salary, so…”
• “I gave you a break, therefore…”
• “If it wasn’t for me, you…”
• “You owe me because I hired you…”
• “I made you who you are today…”
• “Without me, you’d be nowhere…”
• “Don’t forget who got you this chance…”
• “You’re here to do what I say, no questions asked…”
• “I gave you this opportunity; you should be grateful…”

If this sounds like you, it’s time to pause and reflect. If it’s someone you know or come across, call them out when it happens and help guide them.

Authentic leadership isn’t about control, it’s about care. It’s about fostering the growth of your organisation, your team, and everyone connected to it.

True leaders don’t try to own others’ actions or achievements. Instead, they:

• Understand the needs of their team.
• Provide the resources to enable success.
• Create a space where every individual can grow into their best self.
• Nurture underperformers while empowering top performers to thrive.

This isn’t about taking credit or controlling outcomes…it’s about creating the conditions for success and most of all it’s about empowering YOUR people to rise, grow, and thrive.

When you lead with purpose and humility, their success becomes your legacy.