What Every Employee Should Know About Taking the Initiative

May 23
00:35

2024

Etienne A. Gibbs

Etienne A. Gibbs

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Taking the initiative in the workplace can significantly enhance your performance and productivity, especially when done in collaboration with your supervisor. While many supervisors appreciate constructive ideas and suggestions from their team members, some may feel threatened or unsure about how to handle such input. This article delves into the importance of taking the initiative, the challenges employees face, and how Dr. Melvin Sorcher's training program can bridge the gap between supervisors and subordinates.

The Importance of Taking Initiative

Taking the initiative is crucial for personal and organizational growth. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review,What Every Employee Should Know About Taking the Initiative Articles employees who proactively seek out new responsibilities and opportunities are 15% more likely to receive promotions and 20% more likely to receive raises (Harvard Business Review, 2018). However, the fear of rejection or misunderstanding often holds employees back.

Challenges in Demonstrating Initiative

Employees often face several challenges when trying to take the initiative. Dr. Melvin Sorcher, a renowned expert in behavior modeling, has identified five key areas where employees struggle:

  1. Asking for Clarification or Help: Many employees hesitate to ask for help, fearing it may be seen as a sign of incompetence.
  2. Presenting New or Better Ideas: Innovative ideas are often stifled due to a lack of confidence or fear of rejection.
  3. Anticipating or Solving Problems: Proactive problem-solving is rare, as employees may feel it's not their responsibility.
  4. Participating in Performance Appraisal Discussions: Employees often find it challenging to discuss their performance openly.
  5. Expressing Concerns to Supervisors or Co-workers: Fear of conflict or negative repercussions can prevent employees from voicing their concerns.

Dr. Melvin Sorcher's Training Program

Dr. Sorcher has developed a training program called "Taking the Initiative," designed to help employees overcome these challenges. The program focuses on building skills in the five key areas mentioned above, fostering a more collaborative and productive work environment.

Key Components of the Training Program

  1. Role-Playing Exercises: Employees participate in role-playing scenarios to practice asking for help and presenting ideas.
  2. Feedback Sessions: Regular feedback sessions help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
  3. Problem-Solving Workshops: These workshops encourage employees to think critically and proactively about potential issues.
  4. Performance Appraisal Training: Employees learn how to engage in meaningful performance discussions.
  5. Conflict Resolution Training: This component teaches employees how to express concerns constructively.

The Impact of Taking Initiative

Encouraging employees to take the initiative can lead to a more dynamic and innovative workplace. According to a Gallup poll, companies with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share (Gallup, 2017). Moreover, organizations that foster a culture of initiative see a 31% reduction in employee turnover (Gallup, 2017).

Conclusion

If employees are encouraged and supported to take the initiative, organizations can become more effective and productive. Even if you're not explicitly encouraged to take the initiative, doing so in good faith and for the benefit of the organization can yield significant rewards.

Remember: When you maximize your potential, everyone wins. When you don't, we all lose.

Copyright © Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, The Master Blog Builder

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in ezines, newsletters, and on websites provided attribution is given to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box, and live website link. Email notice of intent to publish is required. Mail to: execandgroup-consulting@yahoo.com

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