Initiative makes you strong: Take responsibility and be brave

Reading time 7 minutes

Motivation and initiative are important soft skills in the job. The decision-makers already pay attention to this when you apply for a job. Don't hide behind your colleagues and let others do the thinking. Be an active participant and dare to contribute your own ideas.

What does initiative mean for you and your job? Among other things, that you think ahead and act independently. On the other hand, if you ask your superiors about every problem, you're acting in an externally determined way and making yourself dependent. It is better to take matters into your own hands. But for that to work, the conditions have to be right.

Do you have the necessary energy? You can find that in the Personality test from Greator out. Initiative is an important personality trait, and not just in management. Show your strengths and work independently and reliably - that's how you climb the career ladder.

What is initiative?

The definition of self-initiative is contained in the term itself: It is about an action on one's own initiative. Where this action takes place is irrelevant. In working life, however, this initiative on your own initiative plays a particularly important role. Here, self-initiative means that you don't wait for an order from your superiors. Instead, you act on your own initiative - in line with the corporate philosophy and for a positive result.

Self-responsible and goal-oriented action - these are important points in independent action. So it's no wonder that initiative is so much in demand in the workplace. The desire for this soft skill already appears in the many job advertisements.

Psychological background to the topic of personal initiative

Which Signs indicate initiative? Typically, people with this ability show a strong self-awareness. They determine their own lives and do not let others distract them from it. They try new ways of solving problems and quickly become active. On the other hand, those who have little or no initiative need constant instructions and prompts - without the guidance of others, these people find it difficult to get going.

Thus, self-reliance influences not only professional life, but also the entire outlook on life. On the job, the difference between success and failure particularly clearly. Many bosses expect a certain degree of independence from their employees: They expect you to think for yourself and make your own decisions - within a limited framework, of course.

Supervisors do not want to monitor every single step and be asked about every little thing. Of course, it is necessary to distribute the various tasks and establish a few ground rules. But after that, the processes should run as smoothly as possible - and that can only work if the employees act independently and show initiative. This can be trained so that the entire company reaps the benefits.

initiative definition

What are the advantages of being proactive?

Personal initiative is considered a key competence, not only for Executives. Other employees can also become involved in the company. The benefits show up in small and big things:

  • Employees can make a confident assessment of when their independence is needed and when they should ask,
  • In addition to tasks, responsibilities are also shifting,
  • Work efficiency and Increase productivity itself,
  • Forward thinking is trained,
  • The willingness to engage in the company becomes stronger,
  • Perseverance moves the team forward and with it the company.

Delegating to your team and asking them to take more initiative strengthens their sense of responsibility. This means that it's not just the boss who makes the decisions. Responsibility is spread across several shoulders, which has a positive effect on the Motivation ...is having an effect.

Positive changes

New proposals can lead to positive changes lead. With your ideas, you may improve work processes and thus increase productivity. But remember that such innovations must also fit in with the company's philosophy. And be aware that you take on a lot of responsibility with your own project.

A good measure of perseverance and initiative pays off not only in the case of Company founders. With a cooperative management style also increases the commitment in an existing company. All employees benefit from the advantages.

A balanced degree of personal initiative

Depending on the professional situation, independent action may trigger certain problems. The job advertisement explicitly self-employed thinking employees are sought after. But in reality, things sometimes look different. You may feel stymied when you join the team and make meaningful suggestions. Maybe your colleagues see you as overly committed. Or your boss rejects your determination from the outset.

Too much independence can be exhausting and cause a negative mood. Colleagues may smile at your motivation or be jealous of your drive. They think you are overly ambitious and criticize your ideas. Behind this may be envy or the desire for more peace. This is only natural in some situations. But where does the line between initiative and too much ambition begin?

Face criticism

With the necessary empathy and a cautious approach, you will soon get to know your colleagues. Then you'll know how much independence is actually required and how best to make your suggestions for improvement. If you act on your own initiative, you make yourself vulnerable - which is precisely why you need a certain amount of courage to do so. But it can be useful to face up to criticism. In a meeting where everyone has their say, you exchange your thoughts. Ultimately, the goal is to find a beneficial solution for everyone involved.

Examples of personal initiative

A customer asks for a discount - you have to ask the supervisor first. Yes or no, 5 or 10 percent - such decisions are a matter for the boss. After a while, you get a feel for it, and that's when the time comes for more responsibility. You get the authority to decide for yourself.

At the management meeting, it's mainly the boss who talks. The others initially remain in the background. But you have an excellent idea on the tip of your tongue. After a while, you speak up: You don't contradict the boss, but you have a suggestion for improvement. Maybe this suggestion will be criticized, but the boss now knows that you don't always just regurgitate the old rules. In any case, "We've always done it that way" is not a good philosophy to use in order to keep the company successful into the future.

Everyone complains about problematic processes. But in a good working atmosphere, the feedback doesn't just consist of the usual annoyed complaints. Instead, employees provide constructive criticism. New ways of solving problems move everyone forward, especially if you are open about it.

Own initiative: volunteer

Who will take on this task? - At this question, the colleagues exchange nervous glances and take a step back as a precaution. Those who remain in the front row look as if they have volunteered. In this case, being proactive means volunteering. Even unpleasant jobs need to be done. When you offer to help, the mood immediately relaxes. After all, it's all about mutual success.

Initiative is already a topic in the application. And it's not just about the unsolicited applications you send out. How do you formulate your ability to use your own initiative in the application letter and in the subsequent interview? Refer to your resume to show when you have taken initiative. This could be self-realized improvements in a previous job or a new orientation in education.

By the way: The term "personal initiative" does not necessarily have to appear in your application. It is more important that you mention your strengths and previous achievements. Actions are usually more meaningful than words - so list positive examples from your professional life.

How do I develop my own initiative?

Often you feel tired and can't get up the courage to think about improving your work processes. The good news is that you can learn to take the initiative. With a little practice, you'll be able to break new ground on your own.

However, the conditions must be favorable for this to happen. First, you need some leeway to make your own decisions. You obtain this authority during the appraisal interview - your request alone shows the boss that you have your own initiative and want to expand it.

Showing initiative: being courageous and creative

There are obstacles on the way to more initiative, and mistakes can happen. You must not let this put you off. Be aware of the possible consequences. With courage and creativity, you can still tackle the task.

If you fail, you take responsibility for it and think of another solution. This is a clear Characters for your strength of character. If you succeed, an important step has been taken - and you improve your career opportunities.

With targeted exercises you train your self-confidence and initiative:

  • Stand in front of the mirror and check your effect. Try a different posture, loosen your muscles and look into your eyes. How do others see you? And how important is that to you? Isn't it more about speaking your good ideas? You can practice this too, either in front of the mirror or in front of your family.
  • Even in your private life, you can prepare yourself for professional challenges. Plan a new project - a good resolution such as sports or a Healthier diet. Follow this plan consistently until you achieve the desired success.
  • Strengthen your self-confidence through sporting activities. Physical exercise lifts your mood and provides moments of success. It also teaches you how to inner bastard and that is the crux of the matter on the way to more initiative.
  • Go out of your usual Comfort zone out. Dare to venture into unfamiliar areas. By mastering new situations, you tackle your fears. This is how you increase your self-confidence.
  • Do not stand still, but develop yourself further and further. Learning, reading, watching - the more you get to know about the world, the greater your general knowledge will be. This is very important for your profession and also for the development of your character.

These exercises require initiative - and strengthen it at the same time. You just have to start doing them.

How do I encourage initiative in others?

Initiative can therefore be learned - and also encouraged. Smart managers encourage their employees to be more committed, so that they take on more responsibility for their own work. take over. With the right amount of independence, everything runs smoothly. Everyone in the team knows their authority and when personal initiative is called for.

At Coaching at Greator you learn how to delegate skillfully and free your team from entrenched hierarchies. Ask your people for honest feedback, ask for suggestions for improvement. Involve employees in the current changes. This has a positive effect on the working atmosphere and productivity.

Creativity and initiative to a healthy extent put the company on the road to success. That is your main goal.

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Reviewed by Dr. med. Stefan Frädrich

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