Taking Initiative

This course is designed to empower employees and leaders to move from a reactive “wait and see” mindset to a proactive approach that creates value, solves problems before they escalate, and accelerates career growth.

Taking initiative is often the “missing ingredient” that separates average performers from high achievers. However, initiative is not just about doing more—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. This course provides a roadmap for identifying opportunities for improvement, understanding the strategic advantages of being a self-starter, and—crucially—learning the professional boundaries required to ensure your initiative is welcomed and effective.

INTRODUCTION

• Course Objectives

MODULE 1

• What is Initiative?
• Definition
• Benefits, Personal, and Professional
• Why People Do Not Take Initiative
• Make Initiative a Priority
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 2

• Take a Chance
• Be Open Minded
• Be Adaptable
• Making Decisions
• Take Responsibility
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 3

• Recognize When You Can Step In
• Know Your Strengths and Skills
• Go the Extra Mile
• Listen Carefully
• Fill in the Gaps
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 4

• Recognize When You Can Go Outside the Normal
• Consider Culture and Values Before Acting
• Is It in the Scope of Your Authority?
• Communicate Ideas
• Act on Solutions
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 5

• Weighing the Consequences
• Ask Questions
• Risk, Impact, or Cost Analysis
• Is Authorization Necessary?
• When Risks Are Too High
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 6

• Good or Bad
• The Good
• The Bad
• Develop Judgment
• Avoid Acting on Emotion
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 7

• Confidence
• Are You Confident?
• Build Confidence
• Positive Thinking
• Visualization
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 8

• Find Opportunities
• Internal Opportunities
• External Opportunities
• Apply Core Competencies
• What Problems Exist, and Will They Grow?
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 9

• Be Persistent
• Handle Setbacks
• Manage Change
• Modify Ideas When Necessary
• Move Forward
• Knowledge Check

MODULE 10

• Balance Initiative and Restraint
• Consider the Work Involved in an Idea
• Develop Emotional Intelligence
• Know the Buy-in of Stakeholders
• Do Not Push All Ideas Forward
• Knowledge Check

ASSESSMENT

• Post Test