The Art of Filling Gaps: A wait and see act or not?

You ever noticed how in a Jamaican household; the young ones (most times) don't wait to be told to rake the leaves or wash the dishes? Well… except me when it comes to washing the dishes because that's just something I'm not fond of…especially pots but that’s another story. Back to my point: the young ones don’t have to be told because from early, we're taught to recognize what needs to be done and we just handle it. We take initiative! ?Perhaps it’s a millennial thing or it’s just a thing that we noticed based on the experiences of our older siblings, so we learn at their expense.

Let me tell you how this act has shaped both my personal and professional life, and why taking initiative might be the game-changer you need. In the corporate world, I've learnt that the same principle applies. Just as how you wouldn't wait for someone to tell you to turn on the ac/fan in boiling summer temperatures, you shouldn't wait for your manager to point out every gap in your team's workflow.

Here's what I mean:

• When you notice the meeting notes aren't being organized properly, create a system and get it done to streamline the process of the team
• When a colleague is overwhelmed (you can see the signs), step in before they crash and burn and help to lighten the load because the success of the department is hinged on the success of each of you on the team. So just do it…because it’s the right thing to do. Please note there is a difference between doing someone’s job for them and simply helping them along in a moment of weakness or vulnerability.

‘Soon Come’, ‘Soon Dweet’, are two phrases that we Jamaicans love to use when we are trying to delay what needs to be done. In reality, success doesn't work that way. The most valuable employees and partners are those who operate like a well endorsed pan chicken stand (red hills road perhaps) - they anticipate the Friday night dinner rush before it hits and ensures that everything is in place to meet the impending demand.

Easier said than done right? Yeah, I know but here are a few tips on how to develop and flex your initiative muscles:

1. Observe Like a Market Vendor: Just as how our market vendors know exactly when to stock up on specific food/produce, develop a keen eye for patterns and needs in your environment.
2. Trust Your Gut: Like knowing exactly how much salt to add without measuring, trust your instincts when you see something that needs attention.
3. Start Small: Begin with manageable tasks. Maybe it's keeping the office storeroom tidy or organizing the files in the shared drive. Like learning to cook rice and peas, start with the basics before tackling the bigger stuff.

Don't get me wrong this mindset isn't just for work. At home, in relationships, and in your community here are some things that you can consider:

• Notice when your partner is overwhelmed and step in without being asked
• The garbage needs taking out? Handle it
• Your best friend isn’t one to ask for anything (even help) just offer it, or just do what you know he/she needs or just buy that gift that he or she wants and hasn’t been able to get around to purchasing. The important part in this aspect is to listen and observer A LOT more than you talk/think.
• Staff event need organizing? Be the first to raise your hand or offer solutions.

Taking initiative is like planting a breadfruit tree - it takes time to bear fruit, but when it does, the rewards are plentiful (so I've been told. I'm from the country but don't know much about farming. lol). Taking initiative also:

• Builds trust and reliability.
• Creates opportunities for growth.
• Develops leadership skills.
• Earns respect naturally and mutually.

Remember though, taking initiative isn't about stepping on toes or trying to be a hero. It's about being like good callaloo - supporting the main dish without overpowering it. Remember what I shared above, in taking initiative, it’s a lot more about listening and observing (words, body language, emotions etc).

Next time you see something that needs doing, whether at work or home, don't wait for someone to point it out. As we say in Jamaica, "Action speaks louder than words." At the end of the day, the people who get ahead aren't just the ones who do what they're told - they're the ones who see what needs to be done and make it happen.

What gaps do you see that you could fill today?

#ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #Initiative #WorkCulture #PersonalGrowth

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