Initiative

Initiative: Seeing what needs to be done and doing it without someone telling you to.

Are you the kind of person who sees what needs to be done and just does it? That makes you a student with initiative.

It takes practice though to look at what is going on and deciding what is needed. You have to be a good thinker and willing to work. Initiative begins with understanding and insight. You see a need, an opportunity or an obligation as a beginning point. It means you think of others outside of yourself. Many times this is a trait that needs to be developed. You have to believe that work is good and then work at it and help others work at it.

Your parents have probably helped you learn by teaching you that there are consequences if you do not do what needs to be done. Some examples at home could be your chores around the house or doing your homework without being told. Your parents let you know what was expected and then followed through to help you learn how to make good decisions and wise choices. They were laying a foundation to teach you initiative.

Then at school your teachers and other educators continue to help you grow by encouraging you to help in the classroom so it is a clean, orderly place that promotes learning. They have rules so that everyone is respected and work gets done and teamwork is fostered. Teachers join with your parents to help you learn the importance of following through on what should be done.

Look around! Think about others! Are they showing initiative? Share your thinking in this area. Notice if your friends are showing initiative. Praise them on a post! Write about something you may try to do in the near future to show initiative. Explain why that would be showing initiative. Let’s help each other understand the importance of having initiative.