Proactivity - putting it into action
It’s always impressive if you can show you’ve gone above and beyond what has been asked of you. It can help to convince an employer you are right for the job or impress your existing boss that you’re keen to make a difference.
It’s always impressive if you can show you’ve gone above and beyond what has been asked of you. It can help to convince an employer you are right for the job or impress your existing boss that you’re keen to make a difference. Here are some tips to help you on your way:
1. Create a proactive mindset
Proactivity, like any other skill, takes time to develop. Nurture yours by looking for ways to volunteer, or by making suggestions to move something forward at work.
2. Form a plan
Whether it be a to-do list, schedule, or wall chart, visualising the steps you need to take will help you identify potential problems, better ways of doing things and new opportunities on the way to achieving your goals.
3. Do, don’t dwell
Challenges are a part of life. Reactive people take them to heart and fixate on the problem. Proactive people accept challenges and seek ways to turn them to their advantage.
4. Predict the future
Key to tackling and overcoming challenges is trying to anticipate them before they occur. Your plan will help keep you moving forward, as will the experience of others. And on that note...
5. Seek support
Proactive people take whatever positive steps are necessary to maintain momentum and achieve their goals. This includes seeking guidance and help from others with the experience or expertise to get the job done.
How can I test this skill?
‘Above And Beyond’
Being proactive is a state of mind, so what better way to get into the swing of it by introducing it into your own life right now. Take our two-week ‘Above and Beyond’ challenge to start bringing more proactivity into your own life.
Week 1
Remind yourself each morning that you’re going to look for opportunities to be proactive at work, school or college. Keep your eyes peeled for ways to improve or even fix the processes or facilities around you, and make a note of each one.
Week 2
Review all of the options you noted down in week one. Pick one that you think you can make a difference with and consider how you might approach it. At the end of week two, take a few minutes with your boss, tutor or teacher to share the thoughts you’ve had and let them know that you’d like to make it happen.
- Test the skills by using our five tips for proactivity. Look on social media or check how others around you have been proactive.
- When you have completed your session, share it with others and get views on what you’ve come up with.
- Start building examples of how you have been proactive which could help you stand out from the crowd.
This exercise will help you understand the value that your superiors place on people who show proactivity, and most importantly help you to start spotting the opportunities that surround you every day – qualities that will stand you in good stead throughout the course of your career. If you’re at interview stage check out our tips to help you prepare.
