I have always been an owner even when I worked for someone else. Recently I have thought about my employment history as well as those who have been my colleges and employees over the years and have come to the conclusion people fall in two main categories: owners and workers. Before you go, duh, really Maurilio? This is not a legal distinction, but a psychological one. Interestingly, some business owners behave like managers or workers doing what’s required of them and completely disconnecting from their jobs once the clock hits 5 p.m. Some hirelings whose heart and passion for their performance cause them operate more like owners. The more owners you have in your organization, the more successful you’ll be, I’m convinced.

Diana Marsh is an owner. She is our VP of Client Services at The A Group and is in charge of all of our account managers as well as production. She’s constantly thinking about how to serve our clients better as well as how help our team to succeed by giving them direction, encouragement, tools,pizza and highly addictive candy. She also knows how to hire other owners. If you’ve worked with her, you know how conscientious she is. I’m glad she’s a part of our team.

Here’s a list of owner characteristics:

1. Owners care about the entire team and not just themselves. They know that no one is successful alone.
2. Owners understand that a missed deadline is serious business. After all, it’s their word on the line.
3. Owners don’t watch the clock. They watch their to do list.
4. Owners are more driven by their work ethic than by their boss’ expectations. Owners often go beyond the call of duty to make sure a job is done right.
5. Owners see their work as an extension of themselves and not just a job to be endured.
6. Owners are motivated by the satisfaction of a job well done and not just by financial gain.
7. Owners cannot be micromanaged. They can bring more to the table on their own if you let them grow.

I’m sure I’ve missed something on this list. What else can you see that owners do that employees don’t?