Show Some Initiative

Act 77:

“It’s never too late… To Be A Self-Starter

Think of the freedom. The empowerment. The possibilities. Chart your own course. Don’t wait. Don’t react. Decide your aims. Act.” – Patrick Lindsay

Quote in book: “No one knows what he can do until he tries.” ~ Publilius Syrus

According to thefreedictionary.com… Self Starter: One who displays an unusual amount of initiative. Or a person who is strongly motivated and shows initiative, esp at work. By these definitions, I’m a self-starter. I didn’t really think that when I first read this Act, because in my life I’m not really a self-starter. I’m self-sufficient, which isn’t exactly the same. However, after reading the definition, now have something I can write about.

At work, I’m strongly motivated. I’m really assertive and do take a lot of initiative. I’m pretty sure these are the reasons I’ve been so successful at work. I’ve mentioned that I’ve recently gotten a couple of awards and a raise… so I must be doing something right. The leadership at my company must be liking the self-starter in me.

I consulted The ORACLE and found some good advice about how to be a self starter from families.com. My comments are italized.

Self-Starters Find Work To Do A self-starter doesn't have to be told to work. You won't ever find this type of person standing around waiting for an assignment. Instead, this person will look around and find something that needs to be done. Their job may be as a cashier, but if there is a display that needs straightening or a floor that needs sweeping, they'll do it. This is valuable to an employer because they really don't have time to chase their employees around to make sure that they are working. A self-starter assumes that if they are being paid, they should be doing something at all times. This is soo me. I definitely find work to do and I know it’s one of the things that my boss loves about me.

Self-Starters Take Responsibility A self-starter realizes that it is their responsibility to help the company run smoothly. Whether they are the lowest clerk or the highest executive, a self-starter knows that their part in the company is vital to helping everything run smoothly. My company places a lot of importance on company unity and teamwork. So, even more so w/ this company that with my previous company... I do very much try to do my part and play my role w/in the company to make it a great place to work and to help make it successful.

Self-Starters Feel Ownership Even if it is the self-starter's job to empty the garbage, he or she takes ownership of their job and of the business where they work. A self-starter understands that for that moment, they ARE the business. When they perform their work they are the face of the business, and that matters - both to their employer and to the customer. My work environment is customer oriented and I also try to do my best to not embarrass myself or my company. I always try to keep my reputation and the company’s reputation in the back of my mind.

Self-Starters Finish Self-starters don't stop a task half of the way through. Instead, they follow through to the end. A true self-starter knows that their part is not over until the job is finished. I am a closer. Lately, I’ve been working w/ someone who is not what my customer calls “A Closer”. But I definitely am. I always like to finish whatever I start. The hardest thing about my job is that a lot of times you personally can’t finish what you start. I have to delegate and move on to the next and trust it will get done right. However, I do always make sure that it’s getting completed and done right (even if the one I delegated the task to doesn’t like me looking over their shoulder. Haha)

Are you a self-starter? If not, do these little tips help? If you think you are, do you think these little tips are accurate? What else would you add? So, go out there and show some initiative. Be a self-starter. You can do it. I’m cheering you on!