Initiative

Why does initiative matter?

Initiative matters because it’s basically what can move an organization forward. If you don’t have people who take initiative on the team, it’s likely that nothing will get done. You need people to take initiative to GSD (Get Stuff Done). People who take initiative are also people who are usually seen as proactive.

How can you take initiative?

Here are a few ideas for how to start taking initiative more often…

• If you see something not working well, try to think of a way to make it work better. Make suggestions and make the changes it takes to fix it.
• Adopt new policies or standards. Be the first to use them.
• Simplify your processes. Find quicker and easier ways of doing things. Automate some processes.
• Mentor colleagues who need and want the help.
• Volunteer for tough projects or projects in which new technologies are being used.
• Think ahead and plan for the future.
• Think like your manager or your manager’s manager and try to preempt any questions.
• Always be prepared. Research and investigate tasks.
• Take decisive action on problems immediately.

What is the value of having initiative?

Google defines initiative as…

1. The ability to assess and initiate things independently.
2. The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
3. An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.
4. The right of citizens outside the legislature to originate legislation.

So, by taking initiative, you’re taking charge and showing ownership. Ownership/initiative is necessary to move an organization forward. It’s the first step in executing task and GSD.

My inspirations for this article are Anh Tran and Nathan Cook.