Alibaba’s cofounder and current chairman Joe Tsai has articulated a concise yet profoundly insightful framework for identifying exceptional employees—an idea that centers on two fundamental attributes: ownership and agility. To Tsai, these qualities are not abstract corporate buzzwords but foundational behavioral principles that define how individuals and teams create enduring value within a rapidly changing business environment.
Ownership, in this context, extends far beyond the mere fulfillment of assigned duties. It represents a deep-seated personal commitment to outcomes, accountability, and continuous improvement. Employees who exhibit ownership treat the company’s mission as if it were their own enterprise: they assume responsibility for both success and setbacks, think proactively about problems before they escalate, and remain unrelenting in their pursuit of excellence. Such individuals cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, constantly seeking innovative solutions instead of waiting for direction or external validation. In modern workplaces—where structures are often fluid and challenges evolve daily—this sense of intrinsic motivation distinguishes true leaders from those who simply follow established processes.
Agility, the second defining trait, complements ownership by focusing on flexibility and resilience in response to change. Agile professionals are those who view uncertainty not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth. They are quick to adapt strategies, learn new skills, and navigate shifting priorities with composure and creativity. Tsai’s emphasis on agility underscores the vital role it plays in sustaining innovation, especially in industries like technology and e-commerce, where yesterday’s best practices can quickly become obsolete. Teams equipped with this adaptive mindset remain not only efficient but forward-looking, consistently reinventing themselves to maintain a competitive edge.
The synergy between ownership and agility generates a culture of innovation. When employees genuinely own their tasks and remain open to transformation, collaboration becomes dynamic and solutions emerge organically. This is how high-performing organizations thrive amid global complexity—by empowering people who combine accountability with adaptability. In Tsai’s philosophy, greatness within a company isn’t derived from rigid adherence to procedure but from individuals who take initiative and remain responsive to change.
Ultimately, Joe Tsai’s message offers both a challenge and an invitation to leaders and professionals alike: to cultivate environments where empowerment, curiosity, and self-direction are encouraged, and where flexibility is celebrated as a strength rather than perceived as instability. Encouraging ownership means granting autonomy and trust, while fostering agility requires fostering a learning mindset and situational awareness. Together, these two qualities form the blueprint for sustainable innovation and long-term organizational growth—a vision that not only defines the success of Alibaba but also serves as a powerful lesson for modern teams across every industry.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/alibaba-cofounder-joe-tsai-shares-2-traits-good-employees-2026-2
