How to take Initiative at work

"Hold up a mirror and ask yourself what you are capable of doing, and what you really care about. Then take the initiative - don't wait for someone else to ask you to act. " - Sylvia Earle

In an in-depth conversation I had recently with a fellow boss lady, we discussed the successes we have experienced as a result of us taking the initiative and seeking out opportunities. We also discussed the need we see daily for more women to be bold and take the initiative. Isn't it interesting that the verb used in relation with Initiative is “taking”? This highlights the need for us to take action.
 
In this blog post, I want to encourage you to take the initiative with the help of some useful techniques and resources.
 
What does Initiative mean?

• Initiative can also mean a personal quality that shows a willingness to get things done and take responsibility (Source: Vocabulary.com )
• If you do something on your own initiative, you plan it and decide to do it yourself without anyone telling you what to do. (Source: Cambridge Dictionary)
• The ability to assess and initiate things independently. (Source: Oxford Dictionary)
• The power or ability to begin or to follow through energetically with a plan or task; enterprise and determination. (Source: The Free Dictionary)

 
Why do you need to take Initiative?

• You benefit from great opportunities.
• You are more productive.
• You show your value to your team and company.
• You are more satisfied and motivated at work.
• You are in the driver's seat of designing your career future.

 
Why don’t we take Initiative?
To understand this more, I did some research to find the top reasons why people don't take Initiative.

• Being trained to conform and stay in your comfort zone.
• Relying on others to provide you with growth opportunities.
• Bad past experiences and lack of support.
• Fear of the unknown impact and consequences.
• Lack of awareness of the great benefits.

 
Five ways to start taking the initiative
Make the decision
Be clear on the benefits of taking the initiative in your career development. Decide to start taking the initiative today and take the first step. When you decide to start taking the initiative, good things start unfolding, and opportunities come your way.
Questions to consider:

• How can I start taking Initiative where I am today?
• How will taking initiative help me achieve my career goals?

 
Seek out development opportunities
Now that you have decided to start taking the initiative, be on the lookout for things you are interested in and care about. Take full responsibility for your development and start identifying ways to make it happen.
Questions to consider:

• Where can I find some great opportunities for me?
• How can I become aware of new opportunities that come up?

 
Work on extra projects
Showing that you can take the initiative and work on projects that may be outside of your daily responsibilities has many benefits. If you are looking for a way to gain visibility and set yourself apart, working on a side project is a great way. Use every opportunity you get to show your value.
Questions to consider:

• What exciting projects can I contribute to?
• How can I show my unique value?

 
Stay informed and current
Connect yourself to people who know what happens within the company. They will provide you with insight into the events that you can benefit from. Staying informed and aware is a crucial part of taking Initiative.
Questions to consider:

• Who has access to information that might be beneficial?
• How can I stay regularly informed?

 
Surround yourself with other "Initiative Takers."
The best way to cultivate a habit of taking Initiative is by surrounding yourself with others who believe in the power of taking initiatives. You can inspire and get inspiration from this group of people.
Questions to consider:

• Who around me takes the initiative at work?
• How can I collaborate with other people who take Initiative?

 
Final Thoughts
Let's wrap up this post with some great quotes about taking the initiative

• "When you believe in what you're doing and use your imagination and initiative, you can make a difference." - Samuel Dash
• "The key is taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things." - Stephen Covey
• "One has to take initiative in life to achieve what he or she wants." - Donald Johanson
• "Success depends in a very large measure upon individual initiative and exertion, and cannot be achieved except by a dint of hard work." - Anna Pavlova
• "Initiative is doing the right thing without being told." Victor Hugo
• "The important thing is to concentrate upon what you can do - by yourself, upon your own initiative." - Harry Browne

 
Great Resources

• 9 Ways To Take More Initiative At Work
• Taking Initiative - Making Things Happen in the Workplace
• 10 Tips For Adding Value By Showing Initiative
• How to Be Proactive and Take Initiative
• 48 Ways to Take More Initiative at Work and in Life
• How to Take Initiative on Your Team (Without Being the Person Stuck Doing it All)
• Taking Initiative In The Workplace Will Help You Get The Leadership Position You've Worked For