What is Initiative and Why is It Important? (2024)

What is Initiative?

Initiative is the ability to be resourceful and work without always being told what to do. It requires resilience and determination. People who show initiative demonstrate they can think for themselves and take action when necessary. It means using your head, and having the drive to achieve.

Initiative is a self-management skill, and self-management is one of five key life and work skills for Young Professionals.

When you use your initiative you do things without being asked, solve problems that others may not have noticed needed solving, and go out of your way to continue learning and growing. You do extra research if required, ask questions, and seek help if you need to.

Doing our free online Young Professional training already shows initiative as you are taking time to develop professional traits and skills. Initiative also means doing things for others. Going out of your way to help people shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond, which will impress employers.

Why is Initiative important?

Using your initiative makes you a desirable candidate for jobs and opportunities as you are showing you can think for yourself, as well as proving that you will continue to develop and grow in your role. Initiative will allow you to get ahead of the competition and ensure you’re up to date with what’s going on in your career sector. People who show good initiative often win awards and promotions as they generate exciting and beneficial ideas.

For further reading:

http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/experience/skills/initiative/

Start building your initiative and self-management skills…

See all our advice on building initiative Boost your self-management skills

Join us now for FREE as a Young Professional to boost your career confidence and professional knowhow. It’s all about building skills. PLUS: You can also join as an ambassador to help young people get heard by government and businesses. Take charge of your future today.