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Jan 30, 2020
Brenda Smyth
Be the employee your boss counts on when he or she wants to get something done. Own your projects and look for ways of doing them that stretches you. And then welcome that stretch. It will energize you—and build your skills and confidence.
Not long ago I attended a wedding where the bride’s brother toasted the couple. (It was really more of a tribute and welcome to the groom, Robby.) He remarked on Robby’s unique ability to attack situations and projects with gusto and willingness. He mentioned that the family had started saying that something had been “Robbyized” when Robby was involved. He immersed himself, delivering a high level of excellence and enthusiasm regardless of the task or event.
Professionals who reach for more than the status quo are in big demand in the business world. Taking initiative, doing more than is required, anticipating what’s ahead, being persistent and creative—the value of these actions to an employer is obvious. The side benefit: These actions also help reenergize you.
Is there a more efficient way to handle that routine project?
Is there a way to get better results?
Can you prepare now for a future task?
Could a colleague use a hand?
What can you do to make this customer more than just satisfied?
If you’ve stopped asking these questions, it may be a sign that you’ve become complacent in your job.
If you’re new to a company, you look at things from a fresh vantage point. Everything is new. Every task is different than your experiences elsewhere. You learn. You compare. You ask why.
But it’s easy to slip into complacency over time. You do your job. You play the game. You smile. You get your paycheck.
“There is no magic to initiative, just a sense of responsibility for the company’s well-being,” according to Samuel Hui of askmen.com. It’s about taking steps to make your organization better, focusing on what’s important and what’s ahead.
Show initiative. Find something that needs to be done and do it. Leave your quality mark on the projects you touch.
Brenda Smyth
Brenda Smyth is supervisor of content creation at SkillPath. Drawing from 20-plus years of business and management experience, her writings have appeared on Forbes.com, Entrepreneur.com and Training Industry Magazine.
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