Initiative Examples and Applications
Initiative is the ability to take action without waiting for instructions. Taking initiative often means working on projects outside of regular working hours. Those who possess this trait are adept at identifying what needs to be done and motivating others to take action as well. They learn from their successes and mistakes and use these experiences to enhance their skills. They don't require formal authority to lead and accomplish tasks.
Watch the video below to learn about examples you can find in the real world and how to apply those skills to reach your goals.
The Initiative Umbrella
Initiative includes self-efficacy and the capacity to identify needs and respond proactively. Individuals who exercise initiative show four core sub-competencies: self-awareness, learning from both "failure" and "success" as opportunities to learn and develop, and leading without an official "leader" role or title, motivating others, and catalyzing necessary action.
Lead Without a Title: Individuals motivate and guide others, raising the morale of their group and taking responsibility for what needs to be done. Act as a Catalyst: Individuals galvanize action, identifying and seizing opportunities for change and overcoming inertia. Demonstrate Self-Awareness: Individuals evaluate their own performance, recognize their motivations, and manage their anxiety. Learn from Experience: Individuals welcome and apply feedback, resist defensiveness, and see "failure" as an opportunity for greater understanding.
Review the BIG PICTURE and be ready to prove your knowledge.
Definition
Initiative includes self-efficacy and the capacity to identify needs and respond proactively.
Examples
- A good example is an employee opening another checkout line to reduce waiting time for customers.
Having Initiative Requires:
Initiative requires self-motivation, proactiveness, and adaptability. It also involves being able to identify problems and opportunities and take action to solve them. Those with initiative are willing to take risks and learn from their experiences.
Want to Practice Before You Prove Your Skill? Read each example and decide if it would be a good or bad example of this skill.
NEXT UP: Prove you know the skill!
[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON. FRAMEWORK INSPIRED BY AND SOURCED FROM EDUCATION DESIGN LAB.