Are You a Renter or An Owner? Leadership Lessons on Ownership

For years, I worked in the world of real estate—buying, selling, and renting single-family homes. Alongside my partners, we developed a methodical approach to purchasing properties at foreclosure auctions in Tacoma, Washington. While my partners managed the research and logistics, I visited the properties on Thursdays to assess their potential, and on Fridays, we attended the auctions, where we competed with a variety of bidders. Each auction was a test of focus, discipline, and sound decision-making as we stuck to our criteria and made choices that aligned with our long-term goals.

The experience of buying foreclosures was an adrenaline rush, but what stood out far more than the excitement was the deeper realization of what each property represented. Every foreclosure wasn’t just a piece of real estate—it was the painful story of a family who had reached a crossroads in their life. These families faced personal crises—financial hardship, relational breakdowns, and other challenges—that ultimately led to the loss of their homes. These weren’t just statistics on a balance sheet; they were real people whose lives had been irrevocably changed by difficult circumstances.

As I walked through these abandoned homes, I was struck by the leadership lessons hidden within each of them. The properties were often left in disarray, cluttered with discarded possessions—a stark contrast to the lives once lived there. Old family photos, furniture, toys, and sometimes things of emotional value were left behind. Yet what caught my attention the most was not the physical items but the story those items told: a story of people who had, at some point, stopped caring for what was entrusted to them. They allowed their circumstances to consume them and failed to maintain the very things that could have supported them in their struggle.

This is where the deeper leadership lesson comes into focus: crisis does not happen in an instant—it is a slow, often unnoticed descent. The neglect of small things—the maintenance of relationships, the tending to responsibilities, or the management of finances—often leads to overwhelming challenges that compound over time.

In contrast, renting properties gave me a firsthand look at a similar cycle. Tenants, like homeowners, often begin their journey with hope—seeking a fresh start, a clean home, and the promise of a new beginning. However, as time passes, unforeseen challenges often emerge. Financial pressures, personal setbacks, and life changes can lead to poor decisions. While I’ve only had two evictions over the years, I’ve learned that success in property management, much like success in life, hinges on open communication and mutual understanding. But like all things in leadership, not every situation ends the way we hope.

Here’s the core leadership lesson from these experiences: Success in life—and in leadership—comes from embracing ownership of your circumstances, your choices, and your attitude. It’s easy to point to external factors and blame them for our problems, but true leadership is about taking control, regardless of the situation.

An ownership mindset in leadership is not about claiming title over something external—it’s about owning your journey, your growth, and your role in the circumstances you face. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions and making decisions that align with your values. As a leader, I see my tenants not just as people living in my properties but as partners in a shared mission. Their care for the property is an act of mutual responsibility, and my role in leading them involves creating an environment where communication, respect, and accountability are key.

This philosophy of ownership extends beyond real estate. It’s about leading yourself first—taking responsibility for your actions, mindset, and the way you respond to life’s challenges. Just as I’ve seen tenants struggle and make decisions that affect their future, I’ve also witnessed the power of embracing responsibility to lead through those challenges. True leadership isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about confronting them head-on, with the confidence that each challenge offers an opportunity for personal growth.

Leadership is about the small decisions made every day—the way we respond to setbacks, serve others, and embrace accountability in every area of our lives. An ownership mindset doesn’t shy away from responsibility; it embraces it, knowing that with every challenge, there is the potential for personal growth and lasting impact.