Are You Taking Enough Initiative?

It’s convenient to play the victim role and blame others, rather than take ownership at times.

I know you and I are guilty of that at some point.

But what if you missed an opportunity to be proactive and didn’t take initiative?

Now that’s on you.

In a work setting, picture a diligent employee finishing their tasks early, then resting…

I’m all for rest, but if you don’t give people a reason to look at you, they won’t.

That doesn’t mean draw attention to yourself by being loud.

It means once you do complete the work, get up and ask others what you can do to help.

(Obviously if you’re working remote, you can reach out and do the same.)

Here’s my point: networking isn’t just external, it’s internal too.

The more connected you are in your company, the better.

Call it political, but there’s truth in who you know versus just what you know.

Say you work in the sales department, why not meet peers in marketing, HR, administration, etc?

Taking initiative professionally means creating opportunities for yourself.

As an entrepreneur, no one tells me when and how hard to work.

Which can be a blessing and a curse, but if I don’t take initiative, I don’t eat.

We live in times where people want to be motivated by rewards, like perks.

Yet those “perks” are short-lived.

The reality is motivation is fleeting and being self-discipline is a choice.

I’m not saying everything you put your mind to will happen.

But I am saying sitting on the sidelines expecting to be given opportunities is foolish.

Taking initiative is a leadership trait that shows personal responsibility.

Most employers want “ready to go” workers who need minimal training and hand holding.

Although I’m a huge advocate for training, the more you can figure out on your own, the better.

If professional development is provided for you through your company, consider yourself blessed.

Yet growth needs to be driven from within.

Everyone has learning gaps.

The difference is: some fill them and others expect them to be filled.

• Be the former, by doing the research into new skills and information.

• Show you care about growing as a leader by asking mentors questions.

• Meet with executive team members about future career opportunities.

All the above suggestions are not found in a course outline, but fueled by a desire to be better.

As a manager, you don’t have to have all the the answers…but you should be able to point to resources when asked.

The best way to model to others the value of taking initiative is by doing it yourself.

If you’re scared of being rejected, get used to it.

The most successful people in any industry experience more failure, not less.

Because they’re willing to fail in order to eventually succeed.

If you agree with the concept of taking initiative, but need guidance and accountability to take next steps contact me here.

Just do it.

God Bless,

Scott

If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly

• 🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)

• 🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)

• 🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!