How to 'Own Your Role'

Owning your role is a vital part of how we show up that brings genuine enthusiasm, builds leadership and in return creates stronger teams. And it all starts with a mindset:

“My role doesn’t define my path.”

Whether you're the founder of a company or just starting out in an entry-level position, your role should never limit your creativity, leadership, or the pride you take in your work. Roles can evolve. But how you own them? That’s where transformation begins.

In football, my definition of “owning my role” changed every season. Responsibilities grew as my performance did. But the moment this concept really hit me was with each transition to the next level.

By my senior year of high school, I was on top of the totem pole with being a captain of the team and playing all three phases of the game. Leadership came with the role. But stepping into college was a whole different world. Suddenly, the speed of the game was faster, the players stronger, and my place on the team was very different.

I was getting scout team reps. No spotlight. No headlines. Just behind-the-scenes work helping starters prepare each week. And it wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary. That’s when I realized: the value of a role isn’t in how visible it is. It’s in how well you show up for it.

The same humbling experience happened in my transition into the NFL. My first season was completely on the practice squad. Whatever look the defense needed that day and portray the opponent’s starting center, I was going to do that. It gave me pride and purpose making sure I prepared each day and week so that the defense could be at it’s best, and they were.

I quickly recognized that others take notice and it becomes cool to care about your role no matter if you’re the starter or practice squad player. When you take it seriously, the way you are treated and respected changes as well. You are no longer viewed as someone going through the motions, you build trust with your teammates and coaches because they know you are consistently putting in the time and effort to get better.

Even as I got older into my football career, I never wanted to think I was too accomplished for the smaller tasks. Holding a bag during a drill, grabbing footballs for the coach or spending extra time with a younger player, were all things I took with great pride and accountability. It’s because the small details are just as important as the big ones along with appreciating how much work everyone is putting into each day. Also having the experiences of being undrafted, made me appreciate the grind and the steps it took to earn a bigger role.

When I eventually became a starter, I was more equipped to lead because I was getting the reps on the practice squad with that o-line group. I felt responsible for their success because the only way we were going to get noticed if we showed up with effort, intensity and preparation. We depended on each other and created a standard of how we showed up, worked, and supported one another.

That experience taught me it’s about being consistent, dependable and bringing the right people around you.

Same thing goes for leadership roles in business. You don’t just become a great leader when you get the title, you become a great leader through your character and the reps you’ve taken along the way. The late nights solving problems, the times you showed up with energy when no one was watching, the moments you lifted others even when you weren’t in charge that’s where real leadership is built.

Whether you're running your own business or leading a team inside a company, people are watching how you show up. Your consistency, your commitment and your care for the small details set the tone. The culture you want doesn’t start at the top, it starts with how you carry your role, every single day.

In other sports, we see a similar trend. Basketball is another great example that many of us saw on display during March Madness. The ‘Sixth man’ is a valuable and key player when it comes to the success of a team. This player understands the system and has the unselfish nature to fill any role that the team might need in that moment to win the game.

Jamal Crawford (3x Sixth Man of The Year Award) recipient explained how it gave him a sense of identity and purpose.

“I realized, I don’t have to be the star of the movie, I could be a costar and still star in my role. It gave me a whole different identity. Whatever you need me to do to win, I’ll do it. I played for the love of the game, not my ego.”

So what does that look like in our everyday lives? How can we start owning our role like the Sixth Man, like the practice squad player, like the person who takes pride in the small details?

• Take pride in the details. The small things create big results. Own every task like it matters—because it does.
• Stay ready, stay consistent. Leaders show up prepared, whether their number is called or not. Consistency builds trust and separates you from the pack.
• Lead from where you are. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Influence others by your example, your attitude, and your effort.
• Bring energy and enthusiasm. Your vibe sets the tone. Show up with purpose and passion—it’s contagious.
• Create value daily. Ask yourself, “How can I make this better?” That mindset alone will elevate you and everyone around you.
• Own your growth. Seek feedback, stay coachable, and keep working. Growth doesn’t wait for permission—it comes from ownership.
• Connect to your ‘why.’ When you know why you’re doing what you’re doing, your role becomes more than a responsibility, it becomes a mission.

No matter what role you’re in today, it doesn’t define your worth or your future. But it can define your impact, if you’re willing to take ownership of it.

Own your role. Elevate it. Take pride in it. And you’ll inspire others to do the same.

See you next Thursday,

Matt

Stay connected with me on Substack, Instagram and X for ongoing insights and updates.

Are you ready to explore mental health, sports, personal growth, leadership, and resilience in more depth?

• Visit my website (mattskura.com) for valuable resources and opportunities to collaborate.

• Whether you’re looking for practical strategies, engaging workshops, exclusive content, or a dynamic speaker for your next event, I’m here to help and excited to support your journey!