What Are Initiative Skills?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to the dictionary definition, then, initiative is: The ability to assess and initiate things independently . The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do. An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.

What does initiative mean in the workplace?

Defining Initiative

When you show initiative, you do things without being told; you find out what you need to know; you keep going when things get tough; and you spot and take advantage of opportunities that others pass by. You act , instead of reacting, at work.

What is a good example of initiative?

The traditional example is taking leadership of a group situation : being the person who steps up to lead the team and knows how to get the most our of everybody else. This is an example of initiative, but if the idea of being a leader sends you weak at the knees, don’t worry, you’re not a hopeless case.

What is taking initiative with examples?

Taking initiative shows the hallmarks of a leader in the making. Examples of initiative include: when you see others struggling reach out and offer help . When you see areas where your life is not going as well as you would like to and you decide to do something about it.

How do you demonstrate initiative skills?

  1. Do more than what is expected of you.
  2. Make your career plan.
  3. Work on your confidence.
  4. Develop a team mentality.
  5. Actively request feedback and follow it.
  6. Always keep a positive attitude.

What are examples of initiative?

  • Innovative thinking.
  • Problem-solving.
  • Entrepreneurism.
  • Creativity.
  • Leadership.
  • Confidence and the self-belief to try something new.
  • Being quick to learn.
  • How proactive you can be.

How do you show initiative at work?

  1. Be proactive. ...
  2. Find opportunities for improvement. ...
  3. Voice your ideas. ...
  4. Be decisive. ...
  5. Improve systems, procedures and policies. ...
  6. Address and prevent problems. ...
  7. Be prepared for meetings. ...
  8. Anticipate questions and prepare answers.

Why is initiative important at work?

Taking initiative on certain projects establishes you as a valuable team member at work, and may lead to future success. By taking initiative in a job, it demonstrates self-confidence and shows that you are willing to put in the hard work necessary to improve your professional life or personal life.

What is an example of a time you demonstrated initiative at work?

I remember some weeks when I worked for 90 hours... But I did this, because I was passionate about the work, and my family situation allowed me to stay long hours in the office. And we weren’t specially compensated for working overtime, so it was really my initiative.

How do you describe initiative on a resume?

Demonstrate that you know what you want to do , know where the need is and can make the case to create the role or opportunity. ... For example, you can write “self-created role” immediately to the right of where you list the job title. Impress the reader with your initiative.

How do you show initiative interview?

  • Went the extra mile to help someone or make sure a problem was sorted.
  • Worked well on your own even without supervision.
  • Suggested a new idea or way of doing things that was put into action.
  • Started a new project that took off.

How do you start an initiative?

  1. Upper-level, organization-wide support: ...
  2. Vision must be clear and concise: ...
  3. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst (organization and accountability): ...
  4. Time and patience go hand in hand: ...
  5. People can make or break a successful launch:

How do you describe someone’s initiative?

A person with initiative is motivated to do things . If you take the initiative, you’re willing to get things done on your own. Taking initiative can be risky: If you do something on your own initiative, then there’s nobody you can blame if it goes wrong.

How do you use initiative in a sentence?

  1. Emma took the initiative to clean her room before her parents asked.
  2. Because of Ben’s initiative to start a recycling program, the beach is much cleaner today.
  3. Some community members have taken the initiative to begin talks about rising crime.

What is another word for taking initiative?

blazing a trail forging ahead taking the initiative in setting up preparing putting in motion leading the way setting in motion innovating preparing the way for

What is your definition of initiative?

1 : an introductory step took the initiative in attempting to settle the issue. 2 : energy or aptitude displayed in initiation of action : enterprise showed great initiative. 3a : the right to initiate legislative action.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.