A critical behavior for accomplishing a project is being proactive. Getting things done requires acting upon something rather than waiting to be acted upon. Being proactive yields high returns. Proactive people want to go the extra mile. They are usually more willing to develop themselves, more committed to the customer/complier, and are drivers of the business. They are usually self-motivated and easily motivate others. Those who are proactive are usually people with good ideas. The other side to this is following through – implementation and execution of ideas. Many are able to come up with ideas, but making action plans for them is more difficult. Those who are able to do both are a great combination.
Being proactive suggests the following:
- Think critically about your work.
- Plan your work and work your plan.
- Be assertive and ask questions.
Don’t get lost or stuck in planning. Be certain to get down to work when needed.
Ask yourself:
- Who do you know that models being proactive? What can you learn about that person? What energy do you find around that person?
- What areas of our operation would improve if we were more proactive?
- What barriers stand in the way of our being more proactive?
