Taking the Initiative is So Important, Both for You & Others

The Royal Voluntary Service is a national charity built on local volunteering. It gives support to people who need it in NHS hospitals and communities. During the first few weeks of the coronavirus emergency in the UK, volunteers were requested to support a hard-pressed NHS and institutions, like care agencies and those who were isolated at home (as a result of government restrictions to prevent the spread of this deadly virus). 750,000 people volunteered, 3-times the target number!

Aside from the willingness and generosity of the volunteers, the message here is that you don’t have to be a recognised or official leader to take the initiative and make a contribution. Consider the following ways of taking a lead or simply being a positive influence in your current employment:

• Don’t be content to be a bystander. Decide beforehand, in any meeting or discussion, that you have a role to play and be sure to participate. Your criteria: How can I contribute; not, how can I look good.
• Contribute to the greater good by bringing ideas which help to make your work, team or organisation better. Good ideas arise from being well informed and learning about much more than simply your own daily work.
• It’s difficult to have positive influence if criticism of others is your currency. Most people who use their energy on this are trying to deflect attention away from their own lack of confidence. Don’t talk about other people.
• Show some enthusiasm. This means having a positive outlook and valuing others. Show some confidence in your own ideas and remember, you don’t have to feel confident to look confident.
• When someone else has a good idea, support it. Give it validity and expand on it if you can.
• Always be looking for ways of improving how you work. Keep looking for ways to increase your own contribution, even if no one is asking you to do so.
• Remember, it’s not difficult to identify what is wrong. It’s having recommendations and possible solutions that gains respect (especially if they work!).
• If you make suggestions that are designed to impress people, they are fairly easily spotted. Keep your focus on the problem requiring solution, or an opportunity to improve your work or that of your team.
• Congratulate others on their success. Thank people for recommendations that worked. Appreciate the contribution of others. This shows self-confidence, and that you want team success – not just your own.
• Identify the issues you would have to face if you were in charge. This broadens your perspective and helps you to grow.