TAKING INITIATIVE

There is one thing that separates the Doers from the Talkers....

And it's INITIATIVE.

Which bring us to the question: Why don't we take initiative?

Why is it that- when something needs to be done - very few people step forward to do it?

And especially something for which a positive outcome is not guaranteed?

There are many reasons ; but I will take the two or three most common ones.

The first - and the most common - is a Fear of FAILURE. The immediate thought that enters the mind when asked to do something outside of their comfort zone, outside of their assigned tasks is ....' What if I sc*$w it up?!' What if i fail? Im gonna be laughed at, ridiculed and it may go into my appraisal and affect my chances of a promotion or a raise?

Fear of failure stems from a lack of self confidence. and a worry that you will be criticised for trying something outside of your job role.

Ask yourself: What would you do if you were not afraid?

Many a dream died a quiet death because of a fear of failure. Whatever we do, we cannot please everyone. There will always be someone who criticises us. Yu are damned if you do and damned if you don't. So just go ahead and DO IT.

The second is APATHY.

Most people just don't care. They continue to tolerate, suffer and put up with the status quo. They feel it's 'not my job'. Everyone wants someone else to do it. Most are happy to stay in their comfort zone.

And this apathy is what makes teams and organisations lose their competitive edge.

Why is Initiative important for leaders?

Without initiative, people wont try new approaches, take risks and stay within their lines. And competition will eat you for breakfast.

So the next time you are looking to promote someone to a leadership role, DON'T look at the good boy who followed the rules and did what was told.

Instead look at the maverick, the one who asks questions, the one who challenges the status quo.

An army of sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. - Myles Munroe