There is no question that leadership is vital for success. Without it success is very difficult to achieve. To have strong leadership skills we do not need to be managing a team, we can be a solo operator. It all begins with you, self-leadership is fundamental. Take a look at all the core principles of leadership — trust, honesty, authenticity, etc. — and ask yourself if you are displaying those behaviours. How do others see you? If you’re not sure, ask them!
Knowing you have what it takes to make a leader is great. But, there is another vital component to your success — initiative!
Let’s look at the definition of “initiative”:
- The ability to assess and initiate things independently
- The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do
Many of the team leaders I work with would love their staff to show more initiative. Those who do separate themselves from the pack. They don’t wait to be told what to do, they see a job that needs to be done and they get on with it. Their employer soon realises that they have their eye on the bigger picture and don’t require micro management. They have leadership qualities. They are often front of mind when it comes to promotion.
If you are running your own business, initiative is also important. It will impact your business in many ways, from relationship building to profits and productivity.
How do you show initiative in small business? Let’s have a look at the ways:
- You can identify the opportunities and follow up.
- You aren’t waiting for people to contact you and offer you work.
- You can see ways to add value to current and prospective clients so you reach out to them and give.
- You don’t procrastinate. Procrastination kills initiative, you have to overcome it to succeed.
- You have your long term strategic plan at the back of mind at all times, even when you are busy with a task you identify long term benefits of what you’re doing.
How are you using initiative to further your career or business? Make a point of observing your own behaviour. Try taking a few notes each morning about how you can take initiative today to bring you closer to your goals.
Not only will initiative bring you closer to success in your business, it will contribute to making you a stronger leader.
It isn’t possible to be a strong leader without initiative. Those who are in a leadership position but procrastinate, or shirk things to others rather than doing what needs to be done, are not effective, and often don’t last.
