Why initiative is like the tip of an iceberg

Initiative and icebergs?

What's the connection?

Well, my understanding is that the tip of an iceberg - the bit you see above the water - is only about 10% of the total size.

That is, 90% of an iceberg is below the water, invisible to the eye.

For me, initiative is like that.

It's the bit you see - it's being proactive in action.

But, like the iceberg, there's a lot of support (below the water) that you don't see.

Such as?

Well, how about:

* self esteem

* values and beliefs

* self confidence

* leadership

* willingness to learn

.....and others I'm sure you could add (e.g. having the time to take initiative).

And that raises an interesting question, doesn't it?

Don't you need all those things (and others) before you can take responsibility?

Yes.............well, probably? (they are bound to help, aren't they?)

However, there is another way of looking at this, isn't there?

Maybe, those other things, such as self esteem, will develop because you take ownership and action?

Maybe self improvement flows from the learning and achievement that you get from taking initiative? - what do you think?


There are, of course, different levels that you can take:

* the lowest level is where you WAIT TO BE TOLD what to do.

You have no control over either the timing or the nature of what happens.

This is a typical spectator position and would be seen by others as showing no initiative.

Being proactive is not visible - there is no action.

Usually, there is no learning or achievement here.

* you could ASK WHAT TO DO, which is more proactive than the above, and gives you control over the timing (because you raised the question) but not the nature of what happens next.

Being proactive is a bit more visible and there may be some learning?

* if you choose to SUGGEST WHAT TO DO, this gives you some control over both the nature and timing, although both are conditional on the response you get to your suggestions from others.

This level of responsibility is likely to yield some valuable learning and achievement to boost your self esteem and contribute to your self improvement.

* or you could TAKE ACTION AND COMMUNICATE WHAT YOU’VE DONE (before, during or after your action, depending on the situation).

This is the highest level of ownership and will give you maximum control over both the timing and the nature of what happens - this is a proactive mindset and behaviour response.

It will create for you valuable learning and achievement opportunities.

(the above is based on an original article, “Management Time - who’s got the monkey?” by William Onken Jr. and Donald L. Wass).

Each situation is different, of course, although there are often common elements or patterns.

It is a judgement call what level of responsibility to take in a situation and there may be some risk attached.

However, the more you take initiative, the more likely it is that you will get better at doing it and your self improvement will accelerate as a result.

Initiative, like the tip of an iceberg, is the bit you see. It is being proactive in action. It is supported, however, by much that you can't see, including beliefs, values and self esteem.

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