The Right Way to be Proactive
From filling in for your sick boss to proposing a new plan for more efficient communication between workers, being proactive is one of the essential skills you need in the workplace. In fact, this trait is one of the four key qualities that most employers look for in their workers. Showing an initiative means that you are aware of where you stand and act according to each opportunity or situation presented to you without being told to do so.
But it’s hard to draw the line where taking an initiative can be misread as stepping over one’s head, and this might result in dire consequences. Here are a few tips on how to be proactive without jeopardising your career:
Prioritise
Before you take the first step to being proactive at work, it is important to first finish tasks at hand. Offering to do more than what is required of you is a good thing, but piling up work that you should focus on is definitely not. Not only will prioritising help you better manage your workflow, ranking tasks at hand will also allow you to pick out the important projects that will benefit from your proactivity. Remember to be discerning while prioritising, and be honest, as this article from Inc suggests.
Practice thinking creatively
Proactivity requires you to think creatively, and that means looking for answers to questions that have not yet been identified to you. One misconception that many have is that creativity is solely a natural talent, but many studies have shown that having a flair for it is only part of the game – creativity must be cultivated. Practice creativity by opening yourself to new experiences, and jotting down loose thoughts everyday. The ideas may seem boring at first, but once you get the hang of it, your creative juices will spill out.
Don’t be a mere employee, be part of the team
Two heads are better than one – collaborating with colleagues or your bosses can help your next pitch for a proposal. You might also gain more insight while working together on a project. It is always good to bounce ideas off someone to help ground your thoughts, ensuring that you don’t step out of line. By building a strong support group, your colleagues/friends may also be more responsive to your ideas and even be open to implementing them.
When necessary, reach out to external vendors for added support and insight. For example, Canon Business Services provides expertise on how you and your company can better manage your processes, allowing you to make strategic decisions that will benefit your business. From cost-management to improving efficiency, these partners are here to transform your company for the better – reaching out to such partners can be a proactive first step.
It is hard to stay ahead in our ever-competitive society today. But instead of reacting to situations that come your way, take a risk and be proactive for change. Everyone can be a doer, but few can do great things.
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