Work initiative: 7 strategies to develop it

What qualities do you think a person needs to perform in a job? It all depends on the specific job, but you probably think that she needs to be responsible, flexible and meticulous. This is true, however, the landscape of society and companies has changed, and it is no longer enough to be an efficient employee. There is a characteristic that can lead us to stand out, and that is work initiative.

This professional competence is one of the most demanded by organizations. due to the benefits it brings. A person with work initiative, other factors being equal, usually feels more motivated and committed to their work, which is why they are a great asset when it comes to innovating and proposing improvements in internal processes.

But what exactly is work initiative? What can we do to develop it? We talk about it below.

Work initiative is a point taken into consideration in selection interviews.

Labor initiative: a 21st century competition

To understand the importance of work initiative we have to take a look at the current job market. During the industrial era, tasks were more monotonous and repetitive, requiring rigor and precision, but not as much curiosity and creativity. Nowadays, Globalization and technological advances place us before a very different panorama in which soft skills are key.

Workers are required to contribute what is not mechanizable, such as resilience, teamwork, empathy or the ability to adapt. And, of course, the work initiative. This quality is understood as the willingness to propose and develop changes, improvements or adaptations that have a positive impact on the processes, dynamics or results of the organization.

It is the ability to observe the environment and point out what can be done to differentiate yourself from the competition, optimize work processes or improve motivation and the work environment.. And having initiative is not only about proposing new products or services, but about having a global vision that allows us to detect where and how we can intervene to achieve progress.

Keys to developing work initiative

The work initiative of employees benefits organizations because it allows them to reinvent themselves, advance and obtain better results; but it is also positive for the person, since You will feel more useful, valuable, motivated and satisfied in your daily work life. However, it is worth remembering that it is something for which they do not prepare us.

The traditional school urges us to be passive subjects, recipients of information and orders. From a young age we learned to do what was fair and necessary, but critical thinking, curiosity or initiative were not encouraged in us. Therefore, as adults, it can be difficult for us to implement these skills in the work environment. However, we can improve in this regard by taking some steps:

Don’t settle for complying

We know that in a job we are paid to carry out a series of set tasks, but this does not mean that we should settle for “covering the quota.” Find a way to ensure that your results are of higher quality and that the process is simpler and more pleasant. for you.

Small changes aimed at improving the work environment or making the way of working simpler and more efficient can make a difference. Therefore, do not stagnate and adopt an observation disposition to detect what can be improved.

Have a proactive attitude

Work initiative becomes very important in difficult times. And instead of lamenting, complaining or becoming discouraged, It leads us to be resilient and flexible, to collaborate and look for solutions. AND

This attitude is highly valued by bosses and colleagues, since it contributes to the common good and promotes a good environment in the organization. Furthermore, if you anticipate possible problems and suggest ways to prevent them, your success will be even greater.

Try to stay motivated

The results are significantly better when the person is really involved with the task and enjoys what they do. For this reason, it is important take care of your mood and know how to regulate your emotions in order to keep you motivated.

Not every day we feel equally inspired, but we can look for a way that this task that already becomes repetitive and monotonous has an incentive and enriches us on a personal level. Raising the level of difficulty or implementing certain changes can be the challenge we need to remain active and involved in our work.

Lose the fear of rejection

Labor initiative requires have the courage to propose, suggest and participate. Having your own voice and making it heard is not always so simple, since most of us have been taught to follow orders and be careful when undertaking any initiative. However, losing the fear of rejection will allow you to offer that feedback that the company may be needing to improve. We all have interesting comments and opinions to contribute.

Watch your attitude

When we are part of an organization we not only contribute our physical, creative or intellectual work; also contribute to us (positively or negatively) with our energy and attitude.

A positive, kind, empathetic and collaborative person has great value in a work team, since it spreads enthusiasm and creates a pleasant work environment. Therefore, working on these personal strengths can be a good decision.

Shows a good disposition

There are many opportunities that present themselves where we can show initiative. For example, when volunteers are required for a project, or simply when offering our help or emphasize that we are willing to collaborate in tasks that are not necessarily part of our normal work. This can open doors to promotion, help us improve relationships with colleagues and also allow us to develop new skills and expand knowledge.

Value your work

Finally, as you see, work initiative requires giving something extra to what is commonly expected of us. An extra amount of energy, time or effort. This is not necessarily done looking for a specific reward, but it is important to know how to value our work and everything we contribute and can contribute to the organization.

If we do not value this effort, if we do not make it noticed, we can fall into frustration and dissatisfaction. Thus, Getting recognition is also part of the process.

Work initiative is also valuing what we do at work, what we contribute and make an effort.

Companies and organizations also influence work initiative

The above guidelines are aimed at people at a particular level, so that they can, with their behaviors and attitudes, show more initiative. However, it is important to remember that not all environments are conducive to cultivating this quality. Companies must be open to the opinions of their workers, They have to listen to their voice and give space to their ideas and suggestions.

Besides, It is important that they manage to encourage and motivate their teams, offering promotional opportunities and reward plans. Otherwise, if the good disposition is unilateral, it will not go far. Making an extra effort in an environment that does not appreciate or value it is not pleasant for anyone. However, developing your work initiative will allow you to increase your self-confidence and, perhaps, seek or create new opportunities for yourself in which you can continue growing professionally.

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