What is Initiative?

Definition

Benefits, Personal, and Professional

Why People Do Not Take Initiative

Make Initiative a Priority

Take a Chance

Be Open Minded

Be Adaptable

Making Decisions

Take Responsibility

Recognize When You Can Step In

Know Your Strengths and Skills

Go the Extra Mile

Listen Carefully

Fill in the Gaps

Recognize When You Can Go Outside the Normal

Consider Culture and Values Before Acting

Is It in the Scope of Your Authority?

Communicate Ideas

Act on Solutions

Weighing the Consequences

Ask Questions

Risk, Impact, or Cost Analysis

Is Authorization Necessary?

When Risks Are Too High

Good or Bad

The Good

The Bad

Develop Judgment

Avoid Acting on Emotion

Confidence

Are You Confident?

Build Confidence

Positive Thinking

Visualization

Find Opportunities

Internal Opportunities

External Opportunities

Apply Core Competencies

What Problems Exist, and Will They Grow?

Be Persistent

Handle Setbacks

Manage Change

Modify Ideas When Necessary

Move Forward

Balance Initiative and Restraint

Consider the Work Involved in an Idea

Develop Emotional Intelligence

Know the Buy-in of Stakeholders

Do Not Push All Ideas Forward