Leaders want team members who step up and ____.

• A. Take ownership
• B. Deflect blame
• C. Complain
• D. Depend on others

Answer: (A)

Ownership and accountability are what leaders look for in team members. When someone steps up, they take ownership: they own the outcome, identify what needs to be done, and take action to move things forward—even when it’s tough or outside their comfort zone. This proactive stance shows reliability, initiative, and a commitment to the team’s success, helping problems get solved rather than stalled.

That’s why taking ownership is the best fit. It embodies the drive to contribute and follow through, rather than shifting blame, venting complaints, or waiting for others to act. Deflecting blame avoids responsibility, complaining focuses on negatives without progress, and depending on others signals a lack of initiative.