“It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
If you're one of those people who rarely takes initiative, you're probably not living up to your potential. Perhaps you are doing the bare minimum, playing the blame game, or waiting to be told what to do. Perhaps you are overworked or afraid to shake things up. Whatever the reason, you need to start taking more initiative today. Here are some ways to boost your initiative:
Take initiative: It's a sign of leadership in the making. Examples of taking initiative include helping others, addressing personal problems, and speaking up when others don't. Initiative can also mean looking ahead, taking action, and being resourceful. The first step toward increasing your initiative is knowing what you want in your career. Knowing what you want and working hard to achieve it are two important first steps. If you're looking for a new job, this is a great trait to have.
Learn how things work. Start small. Look for opportunities and challenges in the work environment. Watch what masters of initiative do. Study their ways of thinking and how they accomplish their goals. Practice speaking up and seeking feedback. Over time, you'll naturally seek other people's opinions and take initiative. If you're a team player, you'll be more likely to ask for input. You'll be surprised by what you learn. And don't be afraid to ask questions!
In today's world, initiative is essential. Employers want people who are proactive and don't wait for instructions. It helps to be proactive and push your team and organization to innovate and overcome competition. Those who are persistent in acting upon opportunities will see the rewards in the future. And, in the process, you'll find many opportunities you'd otherwise miss. Once you believe in opportunities, they'll come your way. If you don't have the initiative to take risks, you'll be a waste of potential.
A self-starter can create some hard feelings among co-workers. When you take credit for an initiative, you may be tempted to brag about your boss's praise, or you may feel that other workers are underperforming. While self-starters are often valued by their supervisors, they also require a cooperative teamwork environment. So, it's critical to let your co-workers suggest new ideas and give them credit for the good work they do.
If you need coaching resources, you can contact us at www.elevateleaders.net.
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