Hustle Taking Initiative at Work Emotional Intelligence LAP

Hustle! Taking Initiative at Work Emotional Intelligence LAP 2

Objectives Explain the importance of initiative to employees. Describe ways employees can take initiative at work.

Explain the importance of initiative to employees.

• Katy and Malcolm • Initiative: can be a difference-maker in your career

What Is Initiative? • The willingness to act without having to be told to do so • Thinking and acting independently • A personal trait expressed by consistent behavior

Personal Traits Related to Initiative • Adaptability • Alertness • Assertiveness • Cooperativeness • Creativity

Personal Traits Related to Initiative • Determination and perseverance • Empathy • Independence • Industriousness • Interest and enthusiasm

Personal Traits Related to Initiative • Leadership • Positive attitude • Resourcefulness • Self-confidence

Proactive vs. Reactive • Proactive: people who act on opportunities when they see them and solve problems before they occur • Reactive: people who are hesitant to take action until a problem occurs or someone asks them to help

Benefits of Initiative • Increased self-esteem/confidence • Praise and recognition • Increased respect from others • Improved job performance • Higher job evaluation ratings

Benefits of Initiative • Increased employability • Increased job responsibility • Better chance of selection for training programs • The opportunity to learn • Increased opportunities for promotion and advancement

Describe ways employees can take initiative at work.

Too Much Initiative • Can cause: Ø Mistakes Ø Hard feelings Ø Needless problems

Too Much Initiative • Analyze before acting. • Consider policies. • Don’t step on toes. • Use sound judgment.

Ways to Take Initiative • Obtain as much information about your company as you can. • Learn all you can about your company’s products. • Learn all you can about proper performance of your job duties. • Seek ways to perform your job more efficiently and effectively.

Ways to Take Initiative • Look for additional things to do when your regular work is completed. • Carry out necessary tasks, even if they’re not assigned to you. • Do more than you are told to do. • Master new responsibilities on your own.

Ways to Take Initiative • Try to learn other jobs within the company. • Cope effectively with unexpected situations. • Further your education and training.

• Think about opportunities you have to show initiative: Ø At work Ø At school Ø At home

• How can you take advantage of these opportunities? • What do you think will happen if you take more initiative? • What can you do to avoid showing too much initiative?

• Initiative can mean completing tasks quickly. • Should Yosef take shortcuts?

Acknowledgments Original Developers: Christopher C. Burke, Kerry Winfrey, MBAResearch Version 2. 0 Copyright © 2014 MBA Research and Curriculum Center

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