An Essential Guide for Students on the Importance of Taking Initiative

Summary:

The meaning and importance of taking initiative

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” ― Barack Obama

Taking initiative comes from a desire to excel at our job. It could be something like taking on tasks without being asked to and thereby exceeding expectations. This helps in improving overall work experience and proximity to one’s career goals. Many have heard the expression “The early bird gets the worm!” but a heavy sleeper would dismiss that expression even before he wakes. Yes, he who wakes up early will literally reach there first. But there is another angle to the expression. It is not only about being lazy but also about the bird exhibiting some initiative. Taking initiative is to think proactively about tasks. It is to do more than just take check them off the list but to do the work well. It is all about going the extra mile no matter how small or big the task is and taking on the work even before it is assigned. By taking initiative, you as a student take control of your decision-making process and go above and beyond to complete tasks. Taking initiative requires foresight as well as the ability to teach oneself new skills. In the long term, this will be useful because it will enhance both your personal and professional lives and help you get closer to your objective as a student. By taking initiative you take responsibility for your success. It is worth noting that one of the main qualities of a strong and competent leader is the drive for the initiative. This is so because to take initiative is to make a plan and put it into practice without anyone asking to do so. Hence, without initiative, there is no leader and nobody becomes a leader without initiative. The process is correlated. Students must learn to take initiative and not merely follow the rules or wait for someone to provide them options; instead, they must learn to perform the task on their own. When students take charge, they become more proactive, look for new ways to learn, grow, flourish, and take the lead. Students that show initiative quickly become important team members in work. This also gives them an edge over their peers leading to future success. Taking initiative displays self-confidence. It also shows that one is ready to put in the necessary hard work to grow one’s professional and personal life. Besides, giving examples of the time one took initiative will certainly act as a plus point in interviews. However, taking initiative will be unsettling for many students. This is mostly because of the way our education system functions. During our schooling, students are trained to follow orders in exchange for praise, awards, and grades. This naturally subdues any need for initiative. But in our professional lives, employers prefer talents that can take initiative. Yes, there is fear that taking initiative will attract everyone’s attention. This in turn can expose you to the possibility of rejection, which is quite a deterrent. However, your proactive nature can be highlighted by starting small. It can be done with as simple an action as asking your team leader or boss, “How can I help?”.

Here Are a Few Tips for Taking Initiative

1. Be Proactive

To be proactive, anticipate what work needs to be done and do it before being assigned to do it. However, before moving forward, confirm that you are qualified for the position as a student or whether you should first propose your thoughts to your superiors.

2. Find Opportunities for Improvement

By using your initiative, you as a student will discover areas where you can improve for the future. In the prior, taking initiative will give you problems through which you can gain knowledge or a new skill. This will help improve your personal and  professional life. Similarly, if your work has you constantly interacting with others, then you will keep getting frequent feedback.

3. Share Ideas

Putting forward ideas, perhaps at a gathering, is another simple method to demonstrate initiative. By voicing your ideas, you enhance your credibility as a worker in the long run.

4. Be Decisive

Generally, one will face challenging decisions where different courses of action can be taken. Be decisive and take the best way to proceed. Make a few simple solutions and check their pros and cons. Then choose the best course of action.

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