How to not be passive and not lack initiative?

[Ross MwcFan]

Many years ago I got fired for lacking initiative, I wasn't even aware at the time that I was, but now that I think about it I guess I do and I'm too passive.

 

I just naturally wait for someone else above me to give orders or tell me what to do. Having initiative just doesn't come naturally to me, I'm sure it's down to the way I was brought up.

 

I'm starting a new job and don't want to be this way because it might make me get fired again and people there might get annoyed with me.

[sweetkiwi]

Uhm I don't know. Just grab life by the balls. Failure is a part of life. Have no fear.

[Els]

The only way to not lack initiative is to make yourself have it. It's easier for some than for others, god only knows it's crazy hard for me some days, but it's something you have to do to get anywhere in life pretty much. Most of us are capable of improving our own initiative by a certain amount, though you might not be able to turn yourself into a ball-busting on-the-go-all-the-time person.

 

But many jobs don't need that sort of person. If you're content earning minimum wage especially, some jobs ie manufacturing just want someone who'll do as they're told and not be deathly bored doing so. Tailor to your own personality.

[cerridwen]

Many years ago I got fired for lacking initiative, I wasn't even aware at the time that I was, but now that I think about it I guess I do and I'm too passive.

 

I just naturally wait for someone else above me to give orders or tell me what to do. Having initiative just doesn't come naturally to me, I'm sure it's down to the way I was brought up.

 

I'm starting a new job and don't want to be this way because it might make me get fired again and people there might get annoyed with me.

 

It's a skill you can learn, Ross.

Part of it is training yourself to be observant; noticing what needs to get done; taking note of what things could be improved.

Then, if its in your purview to change, do it.

If not, bring it to your supervisor's attention and ask to make the improvement.

 

But in order to be more observant, it helps to be more present.

You'll overlook things if you're lost in daydreams or thinking about the past or future.

You won't notice that you've forgotten this or that and if it affects coworkers, yes that can be annoying.

Practice mindfulness as it can help you train a wayward monkey mind.

Also make staying busy part of your work style.

If you run out of things to do, ask for more tasks or propose some.

Edited February 13, 2013 by cerridwen

[Eternal Sunshine]

I know that I used to get low performance scores on initiative. For me, I did notice what needs to be done and what can be improved, I just lacked confidence in my own judgement. So for the fear of doing the wrong thing, I did nothing. I got over the hump by having a very supportive supervisor who basically babysat me through the process of developing confidence in my own ideas. I was lucky.

 

The first thing is to pinpoint why you lack initiative.

[cerridwen]

^ Good post and good observation.

 

Ross, you alluded to the way you were brought up.

We know you have a hypercritical and controlling mother.

Do you think a lack of confidence is part of the picture?

What else is contributing, do you think?

[Ross MwcFan]

I know that I used to get low performance scores on initiative. For me, I did notice what needs to be done and what can be improved, I just lacked confidence in my own judgement. So for the fear of doing the wrong thing, I did nothing. I got over the hump by having a very supportive supervisor who basically babysat me through the process of developing confidence in my own ideas. I was lucky.

 

The first thing is to pinpoint why you lack initiative.

 

My problem is that I don't really notice what needs to be done, or if I do, realising that I should do it.

 

One example my ex employer gave me for why I lack iniative, is that when the bins were full I didn't empty them (I was working in a car accessory shop).

 

I just did what I was told to do, which consisted of working behind the till, putting things onto shelves, and managing the stock room. I never even noticed when the bins were full, and if I had done, it probably wouldn't have ever of occured to me that I should empty them.

[Ross MwcFan]

^ Good post and good observation.

 

Ross, you alluded to the way you were brought up.

We know you have a hypercritical and controlling mother.

Do you think a lack of confidence is part of the picture?

What else is contributing, do you think?

 

Yeah, my mum never really allowed me to do anything, and if she did she would be over my shoulder all the time shouting at me, telling me how I'm doing it wrong, and telling me how to do it. If I made a mistake I'd never be allowed to do it again.

 

We're talking simple things, like cooking, or mowing the lawn.

 

She just took over everything.

 

I think another part of the problem is that I live inside my head too much, which also contributes to me not noticing something that may need to be done, anxiety will also contribute to this as well.

 

I guess I need to try focusing externally, that could help me notice things and not feel as anxious.

[cerridwen]

I think another part of the problem is that I live inside my head too much, which also contributes to me not noticing something that may need to be done, anxiety will also contribute to this as well.

 

I guess I need to try focusing externally, that could help me notice things and not feel as anxious.

 

Okay, well training your mind to spend more time in the present is something we all should do.

Don't feel you have to wait for your work days in order to practice.

Notice your own living space; make improvements if possible.

When you go to sort mail and instead find yourself feeling up Rihanna,gently bring your mind back to the task at hand.

It can be challenging at first.

Keep practicing and you'll get it down.

Edited February 13, 2013 by cerridwen

[FitChick]

When do you start your new job and what is it?

[florence of suburbia]

Ambition comes from feeling passionate about something and wanting it, like your video game reviews and your celebrity drawings. Find some way to get passionate about your new job. Sometimes you have to trick yourself into it.

[aMguilts]

Ross

 

i see and work with guys like you all the time.

You blame your mum for the way you are? really? its HER fault you lack ambition??

 

like i said i work with ppl that lack ambition all the time.

It`s not just you... it`s near enough EVERY kid that i see

They want the money but they are just too lazy to make an effort

 

Things come TOO easy to children .

Kids as young as 6 have mobile phones now!!!

 

Maybe it`s the modern world we are living in now? EVERYTHING is so expensive?

There`s no jobs?

Give it another 10 years there will not be enough food to feed the planet

But you live in a country that will always be able to sustain itself and be `self sufficient`

Your lack of motivation is NOT your mums fault!!

its YOURS!!!

You want to be a part of the world or just a burden to it?

You want to make a difference or you quite happy to just sit back and feel sorry for yourself?

 

aM

[Ross MwcFan]

Ross

 

i see and work with guys like you all the time.

You blame your mum for the way you are? really? its HER fault you lack ambition??

 

like i said i work with ppl that lack ambition all the time.

It`s not just you... it`s near enough EVERY kid that i see

They want the money but they are just too lazy to make an effort

 

Things come TOO easy to children .

Kids as young as 6 have mobile phones now!!!

 

Maybe it`s the modern world we are living in now? EVERYTHING is so expensive?

There`s no jobs?

Give it another 10 years there will not be enough food to feed the planet

But you live in a country that will always be able to sustain itself and be `self sufficient`

Your lack of motivation is NOT your mums fault!!

its YOURS!!!

You want to be a part of the world or just a burden to it?

You want to make a difference or you quite happy to just sit back and feel sorry for yourself?

 

aM

 

Are you stupid?

[anne1707]

Ross

 

Half the battle in dealing with a problem is knowing there is a problem. You are not expected to be able to go into a new job and know everything on day 1. But try to make yourself useful.

 

If you see the bins are full, empty them. If the copier has run out of paper, fill it up. If the phone rings and you are the only person in the room, answer it. You'll get the idea. Little actions go a long way.

 

Congratulations on the job by the way. What is it you'll be doing?

[aMguilts]

Are you stupid?

 

 

your the one that got sacked for `lacking initiative`

 

not me

 

aM

[Ross MwcFan]

your the one that got sacked for `lacking initiative`

 

not me

 

aM

 

Lacking initiative doesn't equal low intelligence. Both your posts do though however. In fact a lot of your posts show that you aren't a full deck.

 

Either that or you're just a troll.

 

Which is it?

Edited February 19, 2013 by Ross MwcFan

[Pyro]

Looking good there Ross.