Taking Initiative

Taking the initiative is a crucial step in moving forward in our professional and personal lives. Before we started our first job, we dreamt about what career we wanted to have when we grew up.  We started the journey to find the job we wanted and discovered ways to make it happen.  But finding the dream job is only half the battle.  Once we land the job, we have to figure out ways to not only stay in it, but to excel in it.

By showing initiative, it reflects us in a positive light to others as well as builds our own self-esteem. If we want something to happen, we need to make it happen. That is what initiative is all about. Take opportunities and run with them. Do not let excuses cause you to miss out on amazing opportunities. See what you want, believe what you want, and make it happen.

What is Initiative?

Initiative is something we can all use in our careers. It is what sets us apart from others, and our competition. Many people are afraid to take the initiative, but if you can, you will stand out. Initiative is deep down inside all of us, but the successful ones are the ones who use it.

It is important to know what initiative is to properly utilize it. Initiative is defined as the ability to assess and initiate things independently. In other words, it is taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you. It is stepping up, and going beyond your typical duties. Take charge of situations before others do. You may not want to step out of your comfort zone, but usually you will be rewarded for doing so. It is thinking outside the box, preparing for success, capitalizing on opportunities. It is making changes to take a step forward and being persistent.

With our “Taking Initiative” course, you will learn what initiative is, how to take it on, the advantages of it, and when to know one’s place. By enrolling in this class, you will be taking the first step in making something positive happen for you! Now that is initiative!

Course Objectives:

• Identify what initiative looks like
• Recognize when you can take steps outside the normal
• Build confidence for themselves
• Learn to find opportunities
• Learn good and bad aspects of initiative
• Balance initiative and restraint