Initiative

Initiative

Initiative means seeing something that needs to be done and starting it. It means taking the first step rather than waiting for someone else or a "better time."
In order to take initiative we have to push past our inertia and insecurities. This requires an attitude of flexible responsibility, a willingness to step in to fill a gaps. It also requires a basic trust in our own judgment and abilities.
Often times when one person shows initiative, to open a dialogue, for example, or to solve a problem or to launch a creative project, other people join in. Initiative is a core part of leadership.
Initiative and Leadership are associated terms in this lesson for the reason that Leadership is essential for the attainment of Success, and initiative is the very foundation upon which this necessary quality of Leadership is built. Initiative is as essential to success as a hub is essential to a wagon wheel. And what is initiative? It is that exceedingly rare quality that prompts -nay, impels - a person to do that which ought to be done without being told to do it. Elbert Hubbard expressed himself on the subject of Initiative in the words: “The world bestows its big prizes, both in money and honors, for one thing, and that is initiative. “What is initiative? I’ll tell you: It is doing the right thing without being told. “But next to doing the right thing without being told is to do it when you are told once. That is say, “A message to Garcia.”
Initiative means that somebody has the ability to make decisions or to act alone; without the help, advice or input of other people. Often this can be in a work situation and could be something that a person's role demands constantly, or it could be something that happens seldom, but is a necessary process. For example, if a team leader or vehicle commander is not currently present, a Marine may need to make a decision about a procedure to ensure the smooth running of the business. Showing a lack of initiative and standing round...

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