problem solving and demonstrating initiative examples

25 Examples of Taking Initiative at Work

Implementing a few of these examples of taking initiative from competent leadership, HR managers, and career coaches may be just what’s needed to stand out at your current job or network for a new one. Taking the initiative at work to complete tasks on time and with little supervision is an excellent way to demonstrate your interest in and commitment to meeting the demands of your employer. For some people, the most significant barrier to taking the initiative and going the extra mile at work is their natural reluctance to challenge themselves or exit their comfort zone. However, in most cases, it’s a good idea to do extra work instead of the bare minimum and set yourself apart from others to earn opportunities for growth and promotions.

At MatchBuilt, we’ve counseled 1000s of job seekers and employees at all levels, and we’ve seen first-hand how a lack of initiative can negatively affect one’s career . Further, we’ve seen how proactive employees leverage their initiative skills in the right way to stand out and get ahead. Many, however, do not know when is an appropriate time or the best way to take the initiative at their job.

What are notable examples of taking initiative at work?

• Taking on a job when no one wants to.
• Going above and beyond for a customer.
• Doing more than what was asked on a project.
• Working extra hours so your team meets a deadline.
• Implementing new systems to improve longstanding painful processes.

For this article, we asked career coaches , HR managers, and executives who moved up the ranks about how you can take the initiative and its impact at work. Please follow along if you’re seeking initiative examples, sample answers to initiative interview questions , initiative synonyms for your resume, and many relevant tips.

What is taking the initiative?

Taking the initiative is a proactive approach in which individuals anticipate tasks or challenges and take action, even if it falls beyond their prescribed duties. In many organizations, certain leaders and team members stand out for their innate drive.

These individuals consistently go above and beyond their job descriptions, identifying areas of need and dedicating themselves to addressing those issues without waiting for directives. Their proactive attitude not only enhances productivity but also inspires others to step up and contribute more actively to the organization’s goals.

What does taking initiative mean?

Ricardo Luís, manager at a Florida-based human resources tech company , Talentify.io, suggests the following regarding taking the initiative.

Taking the initiative is taking the lead on a task, solution, or project by presenting proposals to the team, identifying a certain problem, and trying to solve it as soon as possible .” It’s the personal drive to get things done, driven by a resolve to succeed. It could be working on a pending project, stepping in for your boss, or fixing a problem. Someone who takes the initiative to get things done feels accountable for outcomes.

To show initiative, one must be able to evaluate a given circumstance and act accordingly. The first step in taking the initiative is following a hunch or an intuitive thought until it develops into a more solid action plan.

Taking Initiative Examples at Work

1. taking on a job when no one wants to..

Demonstrates leadership and can create a positive work culture by setting an example of responsibility.

2. Going above and beyond for a customer.

Enhances customer loyalty and can lead to positive word-of-mouth, benefiting the company’s reputation.

3. Doing more than what was asked on a project.

Can increase the project’s overall quality and showcases commitment and foresight.

4. Working extra hours so your team meets a deadline.

Encourages team unity and shows dedication to the team’s shared goals.

5. Implementing new systems to improve longstanding painful processes.

Can greatly increase efficiency and employee satisfaction by addressing pain points.

6. Solving a problem without anyone asking you to do it.

Reduces potential future issues and showcases proactive thinking.

7. Picking up where someone left off even when it’s not your responsibility.

Encourages a collaborative work environment and ensures tasks are completed seamlessly.

8. Contributing to a project when yours is finished.

Can bring fresh perspectives and speed up project completion.

9. Asking for more information when you don’t have the answer rather than waiting for someone to come to you.

Shows eagerness to learn and ensures you’re equipped with accurate information.

10. Letting your boss know you want a promotion rather than sitting around and waiting for a job position to come up.

Demonstrates ambition and a desire for growth , which can lead to career advancement.

11. Volunteering to take the lead on a project.

Can build leadership skills and give a chance to showcase one’s abilities.

12. Identify and implement a new innovation for your workplace to increase productivity.

Enhances the efficiency of the workplace and can position you as an innovative thinker.

13. Raising your hand to volunteer your time at a meeting when no one else offers.

Can show dedication to the company’s mission and willingness to step up when needed.

14. Starting a petition about an important issue you care deeply about at your company.

Can drive change and demonstrates commitment to the betterment of the organization.

15. Joining a volunteer organization to make a difference.

Shows social responsibility and can also improve personal well-being through service.

16. Visiting a friend in mourning to see if you can do anything to make their life a little easier.

Strengthens personal bonds and provides emotional support during tough times.

17. Cold-calling potential customers to sell products out of your current scope.

Can lead to increased sales and showcases a proactive approach to business growth.

18. Approaching customers before they ask for help so they don’t feel frustrated and have a good experience.

Enhances customer satisfaction and can lead to increased loyalty.

19. Taking night classes to advance your career.

Demonstrates commitment to personal growth and can lead to more opportunities and skills in the workplace.

20. Stepping in to diffuse a tense situation rather than standing by and watching an argument happen.

Maintains a positive work environment and displays conflict resolution skills.

21. Suggesting a new workplace policy if you see the need for better standards at work.

Shows care for the well-being of colleagues and can lead to a more efficient and harmonious workplace.

Taking Initiative Examples During Job Search

1. enrolling in evening courses to enhance professional skills., 2. crafting a pertinent presentation tailored for a specific job interview., 3. dispatching a thoughtful post-interview thank-you email, highlighting key topics discussed., 4. distinguishing your resume by illustrating the impact of your proactive contributions to previous organizations., 5. highlighting instances of your proactive approach within your linkedin profile and its summary., taking the initiative tips at work.

Consider the following tips when taking initiative at your workplace in remote or in-person settings.

Ricardo Luís from Talentify.io begins with the first three tips below.

1. Learn to Observe Your Work Environment

A professional with initiative must always be attentive to the environment around them . This way, they can identify what needs to be done and how they can contribute to improving the team’s results.

2. Seek to Contribute with New Ideas

Contribute new ideas to your team and the company based on your observations and the aspects for improvement that you identified. It could be by suggesting a cheap way to acquire a service while not compromising quality.

If you’ve ever worked in a retail establishment, you know that certain items get increased business during various seasons. You set up a display near the cash register for seasonal goods and devise a schedule for switching it out.

3. Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is the enemy of the initiative. It’s the act of always leaving everything for later. Organize your tasks, prioritize the most urgent ones , set up a delivery schedule, and don’t postpone your appointments.

For example, you were discussing ideas with coworkers in your office that involved many documents. One by one, they make their way back to their stalls, and your desk place is a mess. Straighten it up, put away the papers, and make sure everything is back to normal.

4. Treat it Like a Mindset Shift

Harry Morton, the founder of Lower Street, a company that provides next-level podcast production services for ambitious companies, added the following tip:

Rather than looking at taking initiative as a one-off event or strategy to be used when it serves you, treat it as a complete shift in how you view things . It starts with becoming more aware and mindful of your roles and responsibilities and how they tie into the bigger picture — from how you collaborate with your team members to the quality of work you dish out. Only then can you become more proactive in every task you undertake.

For example, you’re an IT technician and discovered productivity software that can improve your organization’s internal data sharing. Letting your superiors know about it will help them become aware of a valuable tool that might have taken them so long to know or never realize its existence.

5. Embrace Ownership

Lia Garvin, an organizational consultant at The Workplace Reframe Consulting & Coaching, suggests the following tip.

Don’t wait for problems to materialize before jumping in to solve them. Instead, treat your work like an owner and be proactive , working to anticipate problems before they arise and bringing in others to weigh in or share their perspectives. When addressing a problem with your manager or team, bring potential solutions to the conversation. It allows you to demonstrate you’re willing to take initiative and that you’re accountable toward owning the solution.

A good example is if you’re working in a retail shop, and there’s a holiday coming up. You can remind your supervisor to display seasonal goods near the cash register and always make sure you remove them when the festive is over.

David Walter, CEO, Electrician Mentor, gives other ways of taking initiative.

6. Speak Up

David Walter, CEO of Electrician Mentor, a company that teaches its students how to become an electrician , shares the following three ways to take initiative.

To take initiative at work, you need to speak up. You probably have ideas or strategies to improve the company , but they won’t know them unless you voice them.

If an issue arises or you know better how to do a particular task, share that information with your coworkers. You might be surprised how everyone was in the dark, and you stepped in and salvaged a situation.

7. Help Out, Even if You’re Undecided

If a colleague needs help and you have some knowledge in that area, offer your services . The same thing goes for anything else you notice. Anything you can do to move the company forward is part of taking initiative.

For example, if you see your coworker fumbling about setting up his laptop and the projector just before the group session. Knowing the struggle, you can volunteer to do it for them.

8. Ask for a One on One

The top tip, if you want to take initiative, is to ask for a one-on-one . In that scenario, you’ll be able to precisely identify what you need to do to achieve your goals.

How to Take Initiative as a Team

As a team, you can show initiative by tackling a problem together, brainstorming creative solutions, and offering your services to a cause inside and outside the company.

1. Shared Resources

Utilize official or informal training sessions and create shared resources like manuals, SOPs, guides, flowcharts, etc.

2. Team Meetings

Investing in team meetings and retreats to foster creative problem-solving concepts and strengthen working relationships is a great way to get things done.

Always remember to give credit where it’s due and know how to thank someone for taking the initiative to make the team effort successful.

Taking Initiative Synonyms

If you are looking for a synonym for taking the initiative for your resume, here are a few for your consideration.

• come forward
• step forward
• bring forward
• do on one’s own volition
• let oneself in for
• offer services
• put at one’s disposal
• put forward
• submit oneself
• take the bull by the horns
• take the plunge
• take upon oneself

Likewise, here are a few synonyms for initiative :

• get-up-and-go
• inventiveness
• originality
• resourcefulness

Benefits of Taking Initiative at Work

You may be wondering why taking initiative is essential. Here are some of the numerous benefits of taking initiative at work in remote or in-person settings.

Inspire Others

Often, all it takes is one individual brave enough to take that first step toward their objective, and others follow suit. One person’s initiative can spark a trend. Even if the efforts aren’t much, there is massive potential for positive development from setting an example.

Enhance Self-awareness

Taking initiative means wagering on an uncertain outcome . Nevertheless, that’s the only way to discover yourself and your capabilities. You’ll feel motivated to keep going as soon as you become aware of your strengths.

Foster Creativity

Taking initiative at a full and part-time job can increase an individual’s ambition and enthusiasm. People may share a path with you, but no one can ever match your steps. Recognize your abilities and use them to assist others.

Conquer Fear

Taking that first tentative step into the unknown can make you feel exposed. The greatest danger is falling into the trap of letting fear prevent you from taking action. You overcome your fears and soldier on with determination to succeed by taking initiative.

Independence

While teamwork is valuable to every organization, individuals who do not require constant help or supervision from their superiors are a gem. Taking the initiative means you can easily accomplish tasks independently, giving your colleagues an easy time.

Learn New Skills

There is always something fresh to learn. However, you won’t wait for others to instruct you when you demonstrate initiative. You’ll be able to assume responsibility and develop the required skills.

Boost Confidence

Placing yourself as a competent employee eager to tackle complex tasks boosts confidence and may help you overcome a boss that makes you feel incompetent . Enhancing your expertise without taking a small, calculated risk is hard. Volunteering for opportunities to demonstrate your abilities with a solution-based perspective provides practice, which eventually leads to confidence.

Differentiate Yourself

Whatever field you’re in, professional life is very competitive. Even in the most relaxed professions, people must find ways to set themselves apart from the crowd . You will stand out from your colleagues by demonstrating that you’re ready to go above and beyond.

Showcase Reliability

Employers seek out team members who take leadership roles and take initiative since they can trust them to figure out the details independently. Employers value employees who take charge by volunteering for new projects and by working for long-term career goals. It bodes well for future confidence in giving you greater authority.

Improve Decision Making

Just because you show initiative doesn’t mean you’re a lone ranger. It demonstrates that you are capable of making decisions that help in resolving issues, the enhancement of your work ethic , and the maintenance of task focus.

Enhances Time Management

Consider the anxiety of depending on your boss’s guidance on every issue, and then they’re unreachable. If you can figure out things on your own, you’ll be able to remain on top of things and complete your tasks on time.

Improve Network

In the long run, your career will benefit immensely from your initiative in the workplace. Rarely do people who don’t do anything to advance their careers get noticed. The only people who succeed in elevating their professional standing are those who take command of their careers and do whatever it takes to make their desired outcomes a reality.

Do you think taking action will go unnoticed by your employer? You would be surprised at how much attention they pay. Taking the initiative is a sign of leadership , increasing your chances of promotion.

Taking Initiative Considerations

While taking initiative at work is undoubtedly commendable, there are a few things to remember before plunging in headfirst.

Have you finished your routine tasks?

Your first duty is to ensure that you’ve completed the responsibilities your employer hired you to do. Clear your plate before taking up any additional tasks, and do not overcommit.

Do you have the authority?

Consult as needed before taking the lead on a questionable topic. Collaborate on high-stakes projects with your manager, or get approval before moving forward. Ensure you’ve done sufficient research.

What is your risk capacity?

Being proactive involves taking calculated risks, and you should sometimes expect to make blunders and fall short.

Can you underpromise and over-deliver?

At times, you may need to accept responsibility for your actions and acknowledge your shortcomings.

How will others react?

It’s also possible that your honest attempts at initiative and ideas will face opposition. When people dismiss your concepts, try not to take them personally and keep your pride in check. Don’t lose your calm. Exhibit resilience by picking yourself up and continuing your efforts with vigor.

Are you taking on too much?

Equally, avoid trying to take on too much by yourself. When you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for it.

Will you give the wrong impression?

Instead, take the attitude of a sponge and be willing to take in as much information as possible. Don’t give anyone the wrong impression . It’s essential to exercise patience since transformation takes time.

Are you prepared to make mistakes?

As a learner, you may expect to make mistakes along the way, including underestimating the time and effort required to complete a task. Over time and with practice, you’ll sharpen your ability to foresee how much work anything will entail.

Are you in good health?

Always put yourself first by ensuring that you get enough rest. Please don’t rush through tasks; give them your full attention. Respect yourself and others, and be open to the ideas and opinions of others.

Qualities That Can Help You Take Initiative at Work

The following attributes are vital when taking the initiative in remote or in-person settings:

• Action-oriented:  Making a plan and then carrying it out.
• Ambition: Having a clear vision for your professional development and making calculated moves toward it. The company’s success and the employees’ happiness preoccupy your mind.
• Collaboration: Integrity in relationships with coworkers, superiors, and clients. Confidence in one’s abilities and the willingness to accept calculated risks are the hallmarks of courage.
• Curiosity: Curiosity for the mechanics of things and a desire to improve systems and procedures. Doing a lot of reading. Awareness of one’s surroundings and the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated events.
• Decisiveness: To avoid stress when deciding between alternatives. Quick thinking and performing timely and pertinent research, analysis, interpretation, and suggestions.
• Determination:  You can keep going after a goal, even if it’s difficult or takes a long time to accomplish. You can hold on and not give up, proceeding as planned.
• Goal-oriented:  You create objectives for yourself and work hard to achieve them by allowing your ambitions to motivate you.
• Positive mentality: Possessing a positive outlook enhances your other strengths facilitating better social interaction.
• Effective dialogue: You’re capable of listening attentively and articulating one’s ideas in a way that persuades and displays logical organization and thought—also, maintaining self-awareness regarding your vocal tone and focusing on how people behave nonverbally.
• Humility: Respect other people’s thoughts and feelings and regard one’s fellow man. Respect for the mental well-being of others and refrain from going too far. Willingness to consider alternative perspectives. Any person or circumstance can serve as a teacher. Having the desire to try novel approaches.
• Planning abilities and effective organization: Competent handling of one’s time.
• Enthusiasm:  The urge to work well, achieve your goals, share your knowledge, make a positive impact, and help others.
• Dependability: Everyone can rely on you. You’re reliable and follow through on commitments.
• Self-motivation:  The act of forcing oneself to complete a task, being driven and determined to succeed by forces within oneself.
• Imagining the Impossible:  Dreaming big and being creative and inventive involves thinking about the company and how your efforts fit into the bigger picture.
• Adaptability:  Are you flexible? If your first assumptions don’t pan out, readjust and give it another shot—motivation to grow and develop more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taking Initiative at Work

Whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned professional, taking initiative is crucial for achieving success in your career. Here are answers to some common questions related to taking initiative at work to help get you started.

Showing that you can think independently and are committed to personal and professional growth makes you an attractive prospect for jobs and other possibilities. People who take the initiative to develop new and intriguing ideas are frequently recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

It sets you up as a valuable and reliable person in your team. Whenever there's an opportunity, your employer will most probably take you in due to the confidence and ability to take risks as exhibited. As a result, both your professional and personal life improves.

As an employer, you could wonder how to thank someone for taking initiative. The key is to be specific about the employee's initiative and your gratitude. It could be helping the company get investors or successfully heading a project. Here's an example of how you can frame it: "Your contributions to the team have been valuable, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration. I appreciate your willingness to take the lead on this project and assist us in meeting our deadline."

People struggle with taking initiative for various reasons, possibly internal or external factors. Internal factors include fear of the unknown, self-doubt, and an inferiority complex. Sometimes the struggle could be because of your environment. Some colleagues or supervisors may be hostile when you try to take the initiative, and it could be because of some perceived threat by your actions.

Taking initiative is a skill that is necessary for all careers. There's always something that needs an assertive person to do it. At the same time, all employers appreciate workers who do not wait for orders before taking up a task. Therefore, it's a skill not limited to a specific career and is valuable in all fields.

Being passionate about the tasks at hand can motivate you to think outside the box to deliver better results. You'll suggest improvements, point out underlying issues, and help others whenever possible.

Taking Initiative Examples Infographic

Below is a great infographic for use around the office.

Examples of Taking Initiative at Work Summary

Taking the initiative or simply doing the right thing is one of the soft skills that can help you prove your leadership skills or become one of the leading job candidates for potential employers. Supervisors may see your proactive approach as a more trustworthy and self-reliant worker, leading to possible promotions, bonuses, and salary increments . Taking initiative examples include taking on a job when no one wants to, going above and beyond for a customer to improve customer satisfaction, doing more than what was asked on a project, and working extra hours, so your team meets a deadline.

When thinking of taking the initiative at your workplace, you don’t have to set your mind on big things. Your initiative can still impact even on light issues like helping someone set up an excel spreadsheet. Even so, it would be best to approach each endeavor tactfully to present a positive outlook. As a result, you’ll boost your confidence and thus enhance your productivity leading to career growth .

Looking for More Information about Taking the Initiative? Check Out These Videos

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

11 Good Examples of Showing Initiative at Work

T he initiative begins with the individual. If you want to be rewarded for the work you do, then take initiative and get it noticed! For some people, the most challenging thing about showing initiative is overcoming the fear of stepping up to take ownership . But making yourself stand out by doing something different can break down whatever shyness you may have and make it easier for your boss to notice the right things you do.

What is Taking Initiative?

Taking initiative is to undertake something boldly on your responsibility without waiting to be told. It is the desire to do things no matter what obstacles are in your path, being motivated by your determination.

In other words, showing initiative is to step up and take responsibility for making things happen. Someone who takes initiative causes things to happen while feeling responsible for what is happening around them whether it’s intentional or not.

Taking initiative can often start with nothing more than an intuition idea or a hunch and usually requires movement then forming out of it into something concrete. There are many ways of showing initiative in action.

Here are 11 good examples of showing initiative at Work:

1. Offering to help when no one asks

Good examples of showing initiative include offering to help when no one asks or without being asked. It shows that you see someone struggling or not getting something done and decide to reach out and offer your assistance rather than just standing back and watching the struggle continue and thinking about helping later.

Helping others when they are struggling has many benefits, including building relationships and character building. When you show kindness to others, they become inclined to reciprocate.

So, when you take the initiative and do something to help someone, that person will be more willing to help you out in the future.

Taking time away from your agenda or situation to offer support and advice even though others are not asking can show initiative. As mentioned earlier, helping others is a great way to build relationships and character.

2. Dealing with an obstacle straight away

When you see an obstacle in your path rather than just plowing through it, you look for the root cause of it.

Many people try to push through obstacles, thinking that “this is just the way it is,” or they assume someone else will do something to sort them out.

And that allows the obstacle to remain unaddressed and the problem to fester. Putting the extra effort into understanding and acknowledging why an obstacle exists shows you have taken the initiative to think things through and find the best way to get around it.

Read also:  Top 14 Personable Skills of a Good Employee

3. Taking care of small issues before they become big

Taking care of small problems before they become big ones is one of the examples of showing initiative. It is such a simple concept, but so many people do not act on it.

If you see something that needs to be done and which no one else seems to be handling, then you handle it — whether it is changing out a light bulb, fixing a squeaky door or clearing up a water leak, drying up a wet floor, or getting rid of slip and strip that can hurt someone.

All these might seem like minor issues, but when left unattended can create major hazards for people. So, because of your proactive initiative, you solved a potentially big problem.

4. Taking on a task that others neglected

When you take on something that other people have tried and failed at, or are just not interested in doing, then you are showing initiative.

You might be taking on a project that everyone else has declared impossible or too time-consuming, or perhaps you’re stepping up to finish a task where others have failed to complete.

Even if it’s something that seems difficult — remember that there is nothing worth having that isn’t worth working for!

5. Being inquisitive about what the job entails

Being inquisitive about what the job entails — and who does or will do it in the future, especially those with whom you share the responsibilities – helps you know how to do a job better.

You can also look for conflicts of interest, be they human or otherwise. It might help you come up with innovative ideas and solutions to improve the workplace and relationships.

Read also: 10 Ways How to Be Attentive to Details

6. Providing career advice to a colleague

Good examples of taking initiative include providing free career advice to junior colleagues and helping them transition smoothly into the company.

One of the challenges many junior employees encounter is knowing how to manage their careers.

When a senior colleague offers free career advice to junior colleagues, it is a great gesture. It makes the workplace inclusive and fosters an environment of caring where everybody finds their job meaningful.

7. Setting your sights on a promotion

You do not hang around in the same position with limited opportunities. Instead, you engineer your promotion strategy that means looking for roles available in the company.

It also means networking with work colleagues in other departments to know which job opportunity is already available for you to take over.

If you find a role that requires a different set of skills, start updating your knowledge immediately to suit the requirements.

There’s no point in wanting to be promoted without the right skills to perform the new role. You don’t need to wait for your boss to tell you about your performance .

You pro-actively check with your boss to know if the job you do is up to standard or not and if there are areas that you can improve on.

Build excellent relationships with their managers by being courteous, helpful, and professional in all situations. When new opportunities become available, you’re ready to take them.

8. Standing up against injustices

How often do you see something wrong and do nothing because you don’t know what to do? Taking initiative and stand up against injustices in the workplace even when no one else has done so is a sign of being a true leader.

If something is wrong, don’t wait for someone else to fix the problem.  Sometimes other people will not like you standing up for what’s right, but you shouldn’t worry about their opinions.

You stand alone as an advocate for what is right despite all odds against your initiative since it goes against what some people think or want.

You say “no” to actions that disregard the rules of morality or legality. And speak up on behalf of those wronged because doing so makes sure such practices stop.

Be courageous and willing to listen to opinions but only if that will stamp out any injustices.

9. Learning something you were afraid of

Learning something you were afraid of will help you attach to prospects or clients and help you build a better rapport with them. Likewise, learning about different cultures can make you open up to others without fear.

It does not mean you should take on more than you can chew, but you should not be afraid to tackle new concepts and ideas. Because if you want to grow as a person and a professional, you have to keep an open mind to allow yourself to learn more every day.

Read more:  16 Character Traits of a Hard Worker

10. Asking for feedback from work colleagues

Asking for feedback from colleagues and use it to improve your skills. Many people have inflated egos and therefore avoid learning about themselves.

In other words, if you are not self-critical and self-accountable or open to criticism from colleagues, you are not going to grow as a person.

People who ask for feedback from others know what they want out of their professional life. Being open to feedback from co-workers can help you in your personal development, and that is one way of showing initiative at work.

By having an open mind, you are willing to listen to people with different thoughts from yours, embracing the fact that they may see things differently than you expect.

11. Identifying your development areas

Take time to reflect on how your daily job relates to the objectives or goals of your company. Identifying what needs improvement through self-reflection sets you up for success by enabling you to take steps towards improving yourself every day at work.

You will start seeing where you can make improvements, even if they are small ones. And this is the way of showing initiative at work.

Taking initiative is a great skill especially, for employees to have because it encourages them to meet new challenges with enthusiasm and rewards them by increasing their confidence which in turn motivates them towards productivity again from this point on.

Managers should trust and reward “higher-level thinkers” who can find solutions to difficult problems and anticipate potential pitfalls.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

26 Expert-Backed Problem Solving Examples – Interview Answers

Published: February 13, 2023

Interview Questions and Answers

Actionable advice from real experts:

Biron Clark

Former Recruiter

Contributor

Dr. Kyle Elliott

Career Coach

Hayley Jukes

Editor-in-Chief

Biron Clark , Former Recruiter

Kyle Elliott , Career Coach

Hayley Jukes , Editor

As a recruiter , I know employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure.

 A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers are more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical.

But how do they measure this?

Hiring managers will ask you interview questions about your problem-solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem-solving on your resume and cover letter. 

In this article, I’m going to share a list of problem-solving examples and sample interview answers to questions like, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?” and “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you handle it, and what was the result?”

• Problem-solving involves identifying, prioritizing, analyzing, and solving problems using a variety of skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision making, and communication.
• Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result ( STAR method ) when discussing your problem-solving experiences.
• Tailor your interview answer with the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
• Provide numerical data or metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

What are Problem Solving Skills? 

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving encompasses other skills that can be showcased in an interview response and your resume. Problem-solving skills examples include:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Why is Problem Solving Important in the Workplace?

Problem-solving is essential in the workplace because it directly impacts productivity and efficiency. Whenever you encounter a problem, tackling it head-on prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger ones that could disrupt the entire workflow. 

Beyond maintaining smooth operations, your ability to solve problems fosters innovation. It encourages you to think creatively, finding better ways to achieve goals, which keeps the business competitive and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve. 

Effective problem-solving also contributes to a healthier work environment; it reduces stress by providing clear strategies for overcoming obstacles and builds confidence within teams. 

Examples of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem-Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry-Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

How To Answer “Tell Us About a Problem You Solved”

When you answer interview questions about problem-solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mentions problem-solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. 

Start by briefly describing the general situation and the task at hand. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact. Finally, describe the positive result you achieved.

Note: Our sample answers below are structured following the STAR formula. Be sure to check them out!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Kyle Elliott , MPA, CHES Tech & Interview Career Coach caffeinatedkyle.com

How can I communicate complex problem-solving experiences clearly and succinctly?

Before answering any interview question, it’s important to understand why the interviewer is asking the question in the first place.

When it comes to questions about your complex problem-solving experiences, for example, the interviewer likely wants to know about your leadership acumen, collaboration abilities, and communication skills, not the problem itself.

Therefore, your answer should be focused on highlighting how you excelled in each of these areas, not diving into the weeds of the problem itself, which is a common mistake less-experienced interviewees often make.

Tailoring Your Answer Based on the Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

As a recruiter, one of the top tips I can give you when responding to the prompt “Tell us about a problem you solved,” is to tailor your answer to the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. 

Once you’ve pinpointed the skills and key competencies the employer is seeking, craft your response to highlight experiences where you successfully utilized or developed those particular abilities. 

For instance, if the job requires strong leadership skills, focus on a problem-solving scenario where you took charge and effectively guided a team toward resolution. 

By aligning your answer with the desired skills outlined in the job description, you demonstrate your suitability for the role and show the employer that you understand their needs.

Amanda Augustine expands on this by saying:

“Showcase the specific skills you used to solve the problem. Did it require critical thinking, analytical abilities, or strong collaboration? Highlight the relevant skills the employer is seeking.”  

Interview Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” since you’re likely to hear different versions of this interview question in all sorts of industries.

The example interview responses are structured using the STAR method and are categorized into the top 5 key problem-solving skills recruiters look for in a candidate.

1. Analytical Thinking

Situation: In my previous role as a data analyst , our team encountered a significant drop in website traffic.

Task: I was tasked with identifying the root cause of the decrease.

Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of website metrics, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Through my analysis, I discovered a technical issue with our website’s loading speed, causing users to bounce. 

Result: By optimizing server response time, compressing images, and minimizing redirects, we saw a 20% increase in traffic within two weeks.

2. Critical Thinking

Situation: During a project deadline crunch, our team encountered a major technical issue that threatened to derail our progress.

Task: My task was to assess the situation and devise a solution quickly.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. Instead of panicking, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches. We analyzed the problem from different angles and weighed the pros and cons of each solution.

Result: By devising a workaround solution, we were able to meet the project deadline, avoiding potential delays that could have cost the company $100,000 in penalties for missing contractual obligations.

3. Decision Making

Situation: As a project manager , I was faced with a dilemma when two key team members had conflicting opinions on the project direction.

Task: My task was to make a decisive choice that would align with the project goals and maintain team cohesion.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives in detail. I listened actively, asked probing questions, and encouraged open dialogue. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each approach, I made a decision that incorporated elements from both viewpoints.

Result: The decision I made not only resolved the immediate conflict but also led to a stronger sense of collaboration within the team. By valuing input from all team members and making a well-informed decision, we were able to achieve our project objectives efficiently.

4. Communication (Teamwork)

Situation: During a cross-functional project, miscommunication between departments was causing delays and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve communication channels and foster better teamwork among team members.

Action: I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure that everyone was on the same page regarding project goals and timelines. I also implemented a centralized communication platform where team members could share updates, ask questions, and collaborate more effectively.

Result: Streamlining workflows and improving communication channels led to a 30% reduction in project completion time, saving the company $25,000 in operational costs.

5. Persistence 

Situation: During a challenging sales quarter, I encountered numerous rejections and setbacks while trying to close a major client deal.

Task: My task was to persistently pursue the client and overcome obstacles to secure the deal.

Action: I maintained regular communication with the client, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the value proposition of our product. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and resilient, adjusting my approach based on feedback and market dynamics.

Result: After months of perseverance, I successfully closed the deal with the client. By closing the major client deal, I exceeded quarterly sales targets by 25%, resulting in a revenue increase of $250,000 for the company.

Tips to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Throughout your career, being able to showcase and effectively communicate your problem-solving skills gives you more leverage in achieving better jobs and earning more money .

So to improve your problem-solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting.

 When discussing problem-solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Don’t just say you’re good at solving problems. Show it with specifics. How much did you boost efficiency? Did you save the company money? Adding numbers can really make your achievements stand out.

To get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Think about how you can improve researching and analyzing a situation, how you can get better at communicating, and deciding on the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem-solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem-solving ability.

More Interview Resources

• 3 Answers to “How Do You Handle Stress?”
• How to Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)
• Sample Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

About the Author

Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Read more articles by Biron Clark

About the Contributor

Kyle Elliott , career coach and mental health advocate, transforms his side hustle into a notable practice, aiding Silicon Valley professionals in maximizing potential. Follow Kyle on LinkedIn .

About the Editor

Hayley Jukes is the Editor-in-Chief at CareerSidekick with five years of experience creating engaging articles, books, and transcripts for diverse platforms and audiences.

Continue Reading

12 Expert-Approved Responses to ‘What Makes You Unique?’ in Job Interviews

15 most common pharmacist interview questions and answers, 15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

Take the initiative: A how-to guide in 10 steps

Jump to section

What makes a team member proactive?

Why should i care about taking the initiative, when is it the right time to take the initiative at work, 10 ways to take the initiative at work, what causes lack of initiative and how to overcome that, making your way.

Are you doing more or less than what's expected of you at work? When you see a potential problem, do you bring it up? Do you get excited about ways your team can improve? Do you share your ideas or keep them to yourself? 

If you’re doing more and speaking up, it sounds like you're trying to become a team member who takes the initiative in the workplace.

What is initiative and what does it mean to take it?

Taking initiative means thinking proactively about tasks—   not just to check them off a list, but to get them done well. It's about going the extra mile on the basic tasks you're assigned, thinking through complications, and taking on work before someone asks you to.

Taking initiative means noticing opportunities and taking action.

Another word for taking initiative might be “ownership.” At BetterUp, for example, “radical ownership” means that we are fully responsible for our work and that we welcome the opportunity to learn from it and improve when it doesn’t go well.

If you’re the type of employee who takes responsibility and pride in their work, it will benefit both your team and your own career goals . Plus, you will likely experience more satisfaction in your job.

To excel at taking initiative, you must be a proactive team member. Let's dive into a few characteristics that define a proactive team member.

• Motivated to reach team goals and their own 
• Action-oriented
• Collaborative with others
• Open to thoughtful risks and using their voice
• Skilled at making decisions  
• Positive attitude toward work and team 
• Confident communication  
• Responsible and receptive to constructive criticism  

If you’re doing everything you were hired to do, you might be wondering why you would ever want to take on more. This is where it might help to reframe your thinking a little. When you think about taking the initiative to get things done, don’t think of it as increasing your workload.

Think of it as becoming more valuable and relevant and positioning yourself for growth. Depending on your work, you might also think of it as achieving an important outcome.

Besides establishing yourself as a valuable team member, taking initiative can impact you and your work in many positive ways. 

But your impact reaches beyond your workplace too. Take a look at these main reasons to take the initiative and imagine yourself trying them. 

• Makes you stand out from the rest of the competition
• Builds confidence in your professional life and personal life
• Improves your chances for promotions and career growth
• Strengthens your relationship with your team members
• Helps with problem-solving 
• Boosts happiness and job satisfaction for you and your workplace
• Creates better critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Although you may encounter many opportunities to take initiative,  choose your time wisely. Think about when you can best speak up and act so that you are more likely to be effective and also have space to learn from the experience.

When you've mastered your required tasks

It’s great to take initiative in your primary role — there’s always room for improvement and new ideas. But, make sure you understand your core job, and you’re doing it well, before taking initiative too far afield. 

It's never a good idea to take on more than you can handle if you aren't pretty sure you can deliver. Remember, every single employee is responsible for completing certain tasks before taking on something more.

Once you've finished the non-negotiables of your own agenda, start looking for where you have interest and enthusiasm to take initiative on other tasks. Remember, even on your core tasks, there’s almost always room to take more initiative.

Think about how efficiently you're working and completing your tasks each day. If you feel like you’re more often drowning than surfing, focus on your core skills and practices before you raise your hand to take charge of other tasks. 

When you see a problem in your workplace

One of the benefits of being collaborative in your work environment is using more minds to help problem-solve. If something isn't working and you have ideas about how to fix it, taking initiative can help your team. You don’t have to “know” for certain or always be right. Offer your ideas. Be open to others building on and adapting your ideas. Commit yourself to driving a solution, even if it isn’t your own. 

Taking initiative doesn’t necessarily mean having the answers but it does mean taking action. Team members around you will recognize that you're a reliable, collaborative, and giving coworker who leads by example .

When you understand the limits of your authority and experience

Before you jump into action in the name of taking initiative, consider if you're qualified to do so. Certain decisions might need a supervisor's permission if they’ll have a significant impact. Others will benefit from consulting with others in the company who might have relevant expertise.

If a task requires a particular skill set or level of authority to carry out, you need to make sure you're capable. 

You’ll also need to put your safety first if you're using equipment you're unfamiliar with using. Asking for help or clarification is part of taking initiative and better than assuming you can do it all by yourself.

 Ideally, your manager or supervisor gives you some guidance and guardrails so that you know what is most important to the company and what types of decisions or actions are off-limits. 

When your well-being is in a good place

Taking extra initiative can stretch you beyond your comfort zone and tap into passion or ambition that can also leave you feeling drained or approaching burnout. Recognizing when you've done enough is important. After a long day of work, you could be tired and ready to rest. Pushing harder to keep going can have the negative effect of leaving you depleted and doing a poor job.

Listen to your body and energy levels before taking on different projects. Even if you have to say no to an opportunity or schedule something on tomorrow’s to-do list, it's often better than overworking and under-delivering. 

Sometimes, how to take initiative at work can be obvious. Opportunities to be proactive and collaborative in the workplace could be right in front of you. Your boss could mention that they hope someone could help them with a task or get something accomplished. 

Other times, you might need to look a little harder within your workplace. Here are 10 ways you can become a proactive employee and take the initiative at work:

• Voice your ideas
• Be curious and learn about the work going on around you
• Find a new opportunity for improvement within your workplace
• Address any problems you notice
• Step in when someone needs help, and ask about team progress
• Offer help when training new employees
• Make an effort to get to know your coworkers
• Ask for clarification when you're confused 
• Speak up during team meetings
•  Request constructive criticism and feedback on your work

People don't take the initiative due to various internal and external factors. Many of them can be resolved or overcome in some way.

Internal causes for lack of initiative

When someone is new in their workplace, they might not want to rock the boat. They may fear speaking up or misspeaking, self-doubt, and a lack of self-confidence. Even experienced employees can feel like they don’t know enough to step up.

Team members may also view taking the initiative as extra work and not be interested in the benefits. If you notice that you tend to shy away from being a proactive team member, ask yourself why. Try to make purposeful contributions that matter to you — either because of the outcomes or because of the personal career benefit — when you can. 

External causes for lack of initiative

The environment you work in and those around you can impact how proactive you are. People who constantly complain and don't respect and appreciate their team members often stop people from taking the initiative. If nobody has team spirit or long-term visions of their work, it's harder to encourage people to be proactive. 

Occasionally, your supervisors might be threatened or put off by your willingness to work harder or your desire to grow and succeed. Remember that this isn't on you. You shouldn't hinder your growth opportunities just because others don't want to see you excel. It is worth checking in honestly with yourself to confirm that you are delivering on your current responsibilities as expected. 

How to overcome a lack of initiative

Whatever the reasons stopping you from taking the initiative, you can overcome them. Like any other obstacle or aspect you want to improve, it takes time and effort. Seek input (and moral support for trying new things) from a few trusted co-workers or even friends outside of work. Objective guidance from a coach or mentor can help, too. 

Taking initiative doesn’t have to mean always going it alone or chasing the spotlight. But it does mean being willing to take the first steps.

•   Internal Inhibitors: It's all about building confidence and experience and finding your voice. You have helpful skills and perspectives to offer in your workplace. Asking questions when you're confused doesn’t make you look bad or lazy. It shows that you’re engaged and willing to be a team player and overcome your challenges .
• External inhibitors: Use your confidence to speak up and be willing to lead . If a team member or supervisor seems to be throwing up obstacles or putting you down, you need to address it. Consider whether they are trying to guide you or put the brakes on your plan because they have more context — in which case, seek their input or enlist them in your efforts. If you find yourself in an environment where taking initiative isn’t welcome or valued, focus on your next career move . You should never feel ashamed to pursue new career plans and learn new skills — including leadership skills .

Nobody will hand you immediate success. It's up to you to learn to be proactive in any way you can to help yourself, which includes being kind to yourself and knowing how much you can handle in a day.

If you're looking to learn how to become a more vital, more proactive team member and have the skills to pursue your goals, BetterUp can help . The coaches we pair you with are excited to help you with a personalized plan to help you get where you need to go.

Invest in your career

Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

Your guide to individual development plans (with examples)

Your work performance will sky-rocket with these 13 tips, how returnship programs are a win/win for employers and professionals, teamwork skills self-appraisal comments: 40 example phrases, what is job crafting, why does it matter, and how can you do it, find the purpose of work by creating purpose in your work, skills gap analysis: how to build one in 7 steps, what is a career statement, and should you write one, become confident at work thanks to 9 proven tips and strategies, what are externships and how can you get one, what are work values identify yours and learn what they mean, is horizontal growth or vertical growth right for your company, asking for a raise: tips to get what you’re worth, what to do if you’re getting promoted too quickly, had a bad day here’s what to do when you mess up at work, career pathing for employees at all levels, ace your first day on the job with 15 confidence-building tips, how to make yourself indispensable at work: pro tips, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

17 Tips On How To Take Initiative At Work (With Examples)

• How To Answer Tell Me About Yourself?
• Elevator Pitch
• Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
• What Are Your Career Goals?
• When Can You Start?
• How Do You Define Success?
• Describe Your Work Ethic
• Where Are Your Current Duties?
• What Are Your Learning Goals?
• Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic Motivation
• What Is Your Desired Salary?
• What Makes You Unique?
• Why Are You The Best Person For This Job?
• Reasons For Termination
• What Are Your Work Values
• How To Make A Hard Decision?
• What Are You Most Proud Of?
• Personal Code Of Ethics
• Problem Solving Interview Questions
• Taking Initiative Example
• How Do You Prioritize Your Work
• Explain Gaps In Employment
• Most Rewarding College Experience
• What Is Your Work Style
• Tell Me About A Time When You Made A Mistake On The Job
• Tell Me About Gaps In Employment
• What Are You Passionate About
• What Skills Would You Bring To The Job
• Who Is Your Mentor?
• How To Answer Tell Me About A Time You Disagreed With Your Boss
• How To Answer Common Screening Questions

Find a Job You Really Want In

Every driven professional is looking for a way to stand out from their competition and impress their employer to advance their career.

Taking the initiative to make things happen in your position is a tremendous tactic to attract positive attention from a supervisor and be a generally good employee .

Key Takeaways:

Taking initiative at work can lead to positive growth and benefits.

Ways to take initiative include: offering solutions beyond the scope of your work, speaking up during meetings, and being willing to take on additional tasks.

Make sure not to overextend yourself because this can lead to a negative impact.

Taking initiative is a great way to build confidence and dependability.

Be positive and empathetic when taking initiative.

17 Tips for How to Take Initiative at Work

The definition of taking initiative at work, ways taking initiative at work can help you, what causes and how to overcome a lack of initiative.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

Taking more initiative at work is a strong strategic move to make if it’s gone about in the right way. You’ve taken the first step by deciding to be more resourceful in your professional life . The second is reading through the following list of 17 tips for how to take initiative at work:

Think about ways to improve the organization. Even the best companies manage to find ways to innovate and improve their productivity. This is true of your employer as well. Consider the ways that your organization or team could improve.

Once you’ve gathered a list of realistic ways to innovate your company, think about how you’ll go about presenting these ideas to your team. You don’t need to formulate the entire plan, just the thought outline.

Go the extra mile when completing projects. Work is stressful , and because of this fact, many employees cruise by for years just meeting the average expectations of their employers.

While only meeting the bottom line of completing your work probably won’t get you fired , it also isn’t going to win you any promotions either.

Speak up during meetings more. A lot of companies have meetings weekly or monthly as a designated time for employees to converse about what’s going on. Unfortunately, many employees stay quiet during team meetings . This is a squandered opportunity to speak up and take initiative.

Ask questions. One of the best ways to take initiative at your job is to ask questions every chance you need to. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in improving and doing good work. You can’t advance from your position if you don’t know where you stand or what you can do to get better.

Only put out work you’re proud of. When you first began your job, this tip was probably an inherent part of your work process. Over time, though, your drive to only turn in work that you’re 100% proud of becomes a little less intense.

It’s a natural cycle that happens when someone settles into their professional role.

Consider your future and career goals. Individuals who display initiative in their career are often thinking about objectives in the future and how to achieve them.

Building rapport with co-workers. It’s important to build rapport with co-workers and act together as a team. The staff of a company needs to be able to function well together, even in jobs with competitive undertones.

Request constructive feedback from supervisors. Another technique for showing your employer you mean business when it comes to growing your career is to request constructive feedback.

Asking a supervisor for feedback about your skills and weak points indicates that you’re an employee who’s open to suggestions and ready to improve your performance.

Pay attention at all times. You never know when a vital piece of information is going to be brought up in a meeting or a new opportunity will present itself briefly. To make sure you’re aware of everything happening at your organization and any opportunities for advancement, pay attention at all times.

Always be prepared for the next opportunity. Your place of employment has a wealth of opportunities that can introduce themselves at any given point. Taking advantage of these occasions relies on catching them at the right moment and being ready to take them on.

Adopt a team-centered mentality. A business achieves its success through the strength of its team. Always feeling like you need to compete with your co-workers creates a tense work environment that’s difficult to collaborate in.

Offer to help when you can. An employer notices when you go out of your way to offer help when you didn’t have to because it exhibits initiative. While you should never extend your services to help when you already have a full plate, making the generous offer when you can will impress a supervisor.

Take on some extra work . This is another tip that’s only possible to do if you have enough room for it in your schedule. When you have some downtime at your position, it might be a good call to ask for some extra assignments.

Step up to solve problems when they arise. Problem-solving is an advantageous skill for employees to have, but it’s useless if you don’t share this information with your colleagues. Although nobody is thrilled at the idea of maneuvering problems and overcoming obstacles, it needs to happen eventually in any professional environment.

Act as a leader within the company. While you might be in an associate ’s position now, there’s always the possibility of leadership in your career’s future. Start now by acting as an example and presenting leadership skills .

Improve your soft skills in your spare time. Taking it upon yourself to improve your career’s transferable skills shows an immense amount of initiative. An employee is rarely told they need to work on their interpersonal abilities or time management.

Stay positive. Co-workers are aware of and affected by the energy you bring to the workplace. Even though a professional environment has the potential to be stressful at times, staying positive is significant to how you’ll be perceived.

Most companies have that one employee who goes beyond their basic job responsibilities to accomplish goals and find solutions without being asked.

Their supervisors know that they can count on them to get their job done and more. Thanks to being proactive and problem-solving , they experience career growth.

This describes an individual who takes initiative at work.

Helps you stand out from the competition. The professional world is competitive despite the field you work in. Even people in the most laid-back occupations need to make themselves stand out to gain traction in their careers.

Builds confidence. Putting yourself out there as a capable employee who’s eager to take on difficult assignments builds confidence . It’s impossible to get better at your craft without taking a little calculated risk to improve.

Your employer sees you as dependable. Businesses want to fill their team with individuals who take initiative because it means that they won’t need to hold their hand through every small task.

It can improve your career. Taking initiative in the workplace can greatly advance your career over time. Stagnant employees who don’t take action to move upward in their company usually don’t.

To overcome a lack of initiative, you must first understand what causes a lack of initiative. Not everyone is naturally good at taking initiative, so it is very normal to feel like you have certain challenges in front of you.

These challenges can be broken into two categories:

External factors. External factors are challenges within your work environment that prevent you from taking initiative. This could be a toxic work culture where initiative is not rewarded, where speaking up can lead to ideas being stolen or shot down.

Other factors include a lack of infrastructure that allows you to work outside your job responsibilities. For example, although you may want to take initiative, your boss only wants you to work on a specific project and provides no means for you to expand outward.

Internal factors. Internal factors are the challenges within you that prevent you from taking initiative. This can range from something as simple as ignorance to opportunities, to something more serious such as a mental health issue like chronic depression.

Most people have internal factors get in the way of their initiative. A lack of confidence, an anxiety of being rejected, procrastination, or an inability to articulate goals can all result in little to no initiative being taken.

Luckily, these are all problems that can be solved. If your environment does not incentivize initiative, you can try to bring the issue up with your supervisors. However, sometimes it may just be better to find work elsewhere. Generally though, most work environments will want to see and support initiative from their employees and do their best to help you.

Internal factors, which are more common, also come with solutions. The first step is to be honest with yourself. Practice developing your self-awareness with exercises such as meditation and journaling. From there, begin to notice patterns in your behavior. Acknowledge and accept internal factors that are preventing you from taking initiative.

Once you understand what the problem is, you can work to improving your situation. Each internal factor has its own solution, but it first needs to be identified. This may be accomplished alone, however, don’t be afraid to ask for help from peers, a mentor , or a mental health professional . Generally it is going to take effort to develop new habits.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How To Answer “Where Else Are You Interviewing?”

Scrum Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation (With Examples)

How To Answer “What Do You Do For Fun?” (With Examples)

• Career Advice >
• Interview Questions >
• Common Questions >
• Taking Initiative

Problem Solving Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 21, 2023 — 4 minutes to read

Problem solving is an important skill in any work environment: it includes the ability to identify, understand, and develop solutions to complex issues while maintaining a focus on the end goal. Evaluating this skill in employees during performance reviews can be highly beneficial for both the employee and the organization.

Questions that can help you determine an employee’s rating for problem solving skills:

• How well does the employee define the problem and identify its root cause?
• How creative is the employee in generating potential solutions?
• How effective is the employee in implementing the chosen solution?
• How well does the employee evaluate the effectiveness of the solution and adjust it if necessary?

Related: Best Performance Review Examples for 48 Key Skills

2000+ Performance Review Phrases: The Complete List (Performance Feedback Examples)

Performance Review Phrases and Paragraphs Examples For Problem Solving

5 – outstanding.

Phrases examples:

• Consistently demonstrates exceptional problem-solving abilities
• Proactively identifies issues and offers innovative solutions
• Quickly adapts to unforeseen challenges and finds effective resolutions
• Exceptional problem-solving ability, consistently providing innovative solutions
• Regularly goes above and beyond to find creative solutions to complicated issues
• Demonstrates a keen understanding of complex problems and quickly identifies effective solutions

Paragraph Example 1

“Jane consistently demonstrates outstanding problem-solving skills. She proactively identifies issues in our department and offers innovative solutions that have improved processes and productivity. Her ability to quickly adapt to unforeseen challenges and find effective resolutions is commendable and has proven invaluable to the team.”

Paragraph Example 2

“Sarah has demonstrated an outstanding ability in problem solving throughout the year. Her innovative solutions have significantly improved our department’s efficiency, and she consistently goes above and beyond expectations to find creative approaches to complicated issues.”

4 – Exceeds Expectations

• Demonstrates a strong aptitude for solving complex problems
• Often takes initiative in identifying and resolving issues
• Effectively considers multiple perspectives and approaches before making decisions
• Displayed a consistently strong ability to tackle challenging problems efficiently
• Often takes the initiative to solve problems before they escalate
• Demonstrates a high level of critical thinking when resolving issues

“John exceeds expectations in problem-solving. He has a strong aptitude for solving complex problems and often takes initiative in identifying and resolving issues. His ability to consider multiple perspectives and approaches before making decisions has led to valuable improvements within the team.”

“Sam consistently exceeded expectations in problem solving this year. His efficient handling of challenging issues has made a positive impact on our team, and he often takes the initiative to resolve problems before they escalate. Sam’s critical thinking ability has been a valuable asset to our organization, and we appreciate his efforts.”

3 – Meets Expectations

• Displays adequate problem-solving skills when faced with challenges
• Generally able to identify issues and propose viable solutions
• Seeks assistance when necessary to resolve difficult situations
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of problem-solving techniques
• Capable of resolving everyday issues independently
• Shows perseverance when facing difficult challenges

“Mary meets expectations in her problem-solving abilities. She displays adequate skills when faced with challenges and is generally able to identify issues and propose viable solutions. Mary also seeks assistance when necessary to resolve difficult situations, demonstrating her willingness to collaborate and learn.”

“Sarah meets expectations in her problem-solving abilities. She demonstrates a solid understanding of problem-solving techniques and can resolve everyday issues independently. We value her perseverance when facing difficult challenges and encourage her to continue developing these skills.”

2 – Needs Improvement

• Struggles to find effective solutions to problems
• Tends to overlook critical details when evaluating situations
• Reluctant to seek help or collaborate with others to resolve issues
• Struggles to find effective solutions when faced with complex issues
• Often relies on assistance from others to resolve problems
• May lack confidence in decision-making when solving problems

“Tom’s problem-solving skills need improvement. He struggles to find effective solutions to problems and tends to overlook critical details when evaluating situations. Tom should work on being more willing to seek help and collaborate with others to resolve issues, which will ultimately strengthen his problem-solving abilities.”

“Mark’s problem-solving skills need improvement. He often struggles to find effective solutions for complex issues and seeks assistance from others to resolve problems. We encourage Mark to build his confidence in decision-making and focus on developing his problem-solving abilities.”

1 – Unacceptable

• Fails to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Lacks critical thinking skills necessary for effective problem-solving
• Often creates additional issues when attempting to resolve problems
• Demonstrates a consistent inability to resolve even basic issues
• Often avoids responsibility for problem-solving tasks
• Fails to analyze problems effectively, leading to poor decision-making

“Sally’s problem-solving skills are unacceptable. She consistently fails to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, and her lack of critical thinking skills hinders her ability to effectively solve challenges. Additionally, her attempts to resolve problems often create additional issues, resulting in a negative impact on the team’s overall performance.”

“Susan’s problem-solving performance has been unacceptable this year. She consistently demonstrates an inability to resolve basic issues and avoids taking responsibility for problem-solving tasks. Her ineffectiveness in analyzing problems has led to poor decision-making. It is crucial that Susan improve her problem-solving skills to succeed in her role.”

• Job Knowledge Performance Review Phrases (Examples)
• Cooperation Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• 100 Performance Review Phrases for Job Knowledge, Judgment, Listening Skills
• 10 Examples: What Are Analytical Skills?
• Collaboration Skills: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples
• Critical Thinking: 25 Performance Review Phrases Examples

• InterviewPenguin.com – Your best job interview coach since 2011

Give an example of a situation when you showed initiative in work – Sample interview answers

The expectations on employees are as high as ever. It’s not enough listening to orders anymore , and doing what is expected from you, day after day, meeting your targets and goals, following the job description. They want you to take initiative , to have proactive approach to everything, to go above and beyond with your service for the customer, to be action-oriented . That’s the new norm in many successful companies. As always, workers pay the price…

It makes no sense to discuss whether this is a right or wrong approach , however. It is expected from you, and unless you are ready to demonstrate proactive approach in an interview, they won’t hire you. Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to this tricky interview question. Do not forget to read also my notes below the answers, to understand the peculiarities of this question.

7 sample answers to “Give an example of a situation when you showed initiative in work” interview question

• I recall a situation from my last job in a warehouse. One of my colleagues did not come for a night shift, and I saw that t he workload was extremely heavy on that day . The remaining workers would struggle to handle the incoming stock and the expedition. I came to my superior and suggested that I would stay in work for four extra hours, helping the colleagues on the night shift, because of the heavy workload. Of course I was tired, I was on my feet for 8 hours before that, but I still felt it was the right thing to do. .. and so I did it. I believe that at least some of the colleagues would do the same thing for the guys on our shift.
• I always try to have a proactive approach and be action-oriented . For example in my last job in sales, I found it strange that we did not have an existing database of leads available. The fluctuation was very high in the sales department, but whoever left the company took their leads with them, and new sales reps lost a lot of time doing their research online , looking for leads. I suggested that each sales representative should enter their leads to the internal database, together with any information they have about the prospects. As long as they stay with the company, this is their private asset and nobody else can see the database. But when they leave, their superior should get an access, and can offer it to new sales reps, to help them kick start the sales.My superiors didn’t like the idea—and I am not sure why. But I still took the initiative and challenged how they did things in the company, though I was a new member of the team…

* Must read : List of all most common behavioral interview questions (give an example of a situation…)

• I had to take the initiative a lot in my last job, and more than anything else it meant working overtime . The workload was heavy, we were working on a new release, trying to meet the tight deadline with a simple goal: to release the product before the competitor will. I remember some weeks when I worked for 90 hours … But I did this, because I was passionate about the work , and my family situation allowed me to stay long hours in the office. And we weren’t specially compensated for working overtime, so it was really my initiative. It was nice to see that I motivated some other programmers to stay longer in work, and we eventually released our product before the competitor did so. Sometimes you just need a little spark to start the fire, and sometimes you can become that spark. That’s the philosophy I try to live and breath at work.
• I took the initiative often when I felt that something should be discussed with the managers. Other colleagues were a bit afraid to express their opinion, but I personally believe that feedback should flow freely in all directions in any successful organization. And so I often stood out and talked to the managers, for example when I thought the work could be done more efficiently, or when I felt that we needed more people in the team to handle the workload.
• This is my first job application , so I do not have experience with showing initiative at work. But I can refer to a good example from the college if you want. I always tried to participate in the life of the campus, do something for the community of students , and I did not mind to start some good initiative. I applied for a job of a resident assistant, and helped with solving issues at the dormitory. I also volunteered in the library and whenever I had a chance I tried to participate in an event or activity someone else from the school organized for students. Just to support them, because I know the feeling when you organize something and nobody comes to an event. It’s important to support good initiatives.
• Look, I have never looked for a security of a low monthly paycheck . I always preferred to be compensated for my efforts and results, for the amount of work I manage to do. This dates back to college years when I picked strawberries on farms or planted trees, and we were compensated for the number of trees we managed to plant on a shift–not for the number of hours we spent working. And the trend continues for me in sales and management . I prefer to be paid according to my results. And in order to earn well, I have to achieve great results. To achieve great results, I can’t wait for some magic to happen . I have to step out of my comfort zone , make phone calls, initiate meetings, and sometimes also make unpopular decisions. But this goes without saying for me. It’s just very natural.
• In my last job of a process manager, I always suggested some innovations . I mean, the plant was doing well, we were achieving good results, the mangers were satisfied , and we were beating our competitors. But in my book, we should continue striving for perfection , and we should always innovate ourselves and our business. Because they do not sleep in the other companies. And if we become satisfied with our position, we will quickly lose it… That’s my personal philosophy and I’d like to stick to it in my new job as well.

Your attitude matters more than the situation you narrate

Do not get too distracted with the word “work” in the question. Maybe you didn’t have a chance to show initiative in your former jobs–the type of work, or management, just did not allow for such an attitude. Or perhaps this is your very first job application.

In such cases, you can talk about a situation from school (see sample answer no. 5), or you can simply talk about your attitude to work , that you prefer proactive approach, and that you hope to get a chance to show it in your new job.

* Special Tip: Question about showing initiative won’t be the only difficult scenario-based question you will face while interviewing for a great job. You will face questions about prioritization, dealing with pressure, dealing with ambiguity , and other tricky scenarios that happen in the workplace. If you want to make sure that you stand out with your answers and outclass your competitors, have a look at our Interview Success Package . Up to 10 premium answers to 31 tricky scenario based questions (+ more) will help you streamline your interview preparation, and eventually outclass your competitors and get the job. It can be the last part of the puzzle you are missing…

Sacrificing something for your colleagues or employer is always a good answer

If you did anything for your colleague–for example offered to take their shift when they felt sick, or stayed overtime in work to h elp them with a heavy workload , you can definitely talk about this as an example of a time when you showed initiative.

The same is true when you spoke out for your colleagues , trying to protect their interests in the meeting with the managers. With this answer you actually kill two flies with one stone. You demonstrate that you do not mind taking initiative, and you also demonstrate right attitude to your colleagues .

Ready to answer this one? Check also 7 sample answers to other tricky interview questions:

• What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made in your professional career?
• What makes you unique?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?
• Recent Posts

© InterviewPenguin.com

Privacy Policy

• Jun 7, 2023
• 10 min read

How to Answer “Give an Example Where You Showed Initiative”

There’s a reason employers hire people that demonstrate initiative.

Michi Ancheta

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Hiring managers tend to ask job candidates  challenging questions  during interviews. While some of these questions will target your skills and experience, others will aim to uncover who you are as an individual.

Being asked to give an example where you  showed initiative  aims to do just that, so you should be prepared to answer this commonly asked question in every interview.

Need some help? Here is how you can prepare to answer this question and pass your interview with flying colors.

Why hiring managers ask this question

Companies want to employ fast thinkers who aren’t afraid to show initiative and deal with situations that may arise in the workplace.

Hiring managers are on the lookout for creative, action-oriented people who are proactive and ready to go above and beyond when needed. These are the people whose efforts foster growth in the organization, ideas are nurtured, and customers get maximum satisfaction from dealing with the company.

Due to this, you should be ready to prove to your interviewer that you have got what it takes and bring value to the role.

Tips for crafting a response

By now, you should be wondering how to answer this tricky question in a way that shows you have what it takes to assume this job position.

Here are a few tips you can employ when crafting your response:

1. Choose an appropriate example

To start with, pick an event from your past experiences where you played a significant role in making a goal achievable . Depending on your work experience, you could give examples from when you were a student, an intern or within a previous role.

Make sure that the event you’ll be narrating relates to some extent to the job position that you’re applying for, as the hiring manager is mainly interested in how innovative you are to think about alternative solutions to problems that may arise in their workplace. Keeping your example relevant to the specific role or your field, then, is essential!

2. Use the STAR method

Ensure that the example you provide follows the STAR framework . This will enable you to showcase your skills and abilities through your answer.

Begin by describing the Situation , which is the context of the example. Then, explain your initial role ( Task ), as well as your goal before listing the problem you faced. Afterwards, discuss the Action you took to overcome the problem and the Result you achieved.

You can then elaborate on how you believe the initiative you took had a positive impact and how it could have negatively affected the company or anybody concerned in this scenario, had it not been taken.

3. Tell a story

Everybody, including the hiring manager, loves to listen to stories, especially when the premise is exciting and the flow is clear. Therefore, when answering this kind of question, you should use a storytelling approach, like the STAR method mentioned above, to ensure that your narrative is well-structured and planned but also memorable.

With a story-formatted example, you stand a chance of engaging your audience and having their full attention. Meanwhile, a response that is bereft of a basic story format and doesn’t detail the time, place, what was at stake and the final result will sound bland and fail to impress recruiters.

In essence, present your example in a short and summarized story form that will be memorable.

4. Talk about your motivations

You must mention why you took the initiative in the example your presented.

What pushed you to act? What was on the line? How eager were you to bring positive results?

The recruiter doesn’t just want to know what initiative you took but also understand what drives you forward and pushes you into action. Similarly, it would help if you mentioned how taking action prevented a negative event from unfurling; for example, a business deal salvaged from being canceled or a lawsuit from a disgruntled customer prevented.

This will illustrate how you can also be an asset to their company and demonstrate that you’re devoted to helping situations where you can.

5. Don’t exaggerate

Usually, when people are asked to give an example of something that happened in their past, they tend to look for some over-the-top answer to impress their interviewer. However, most of the time, they can easily tell apart the truth from an overembellished story.

So, if you’re asked to give an example of when you showed initiative, don’t be tempted to exaggerate things and blow them out of proportion. It doesn’t have to be a tremendous achievement that changed the world or the company’s internal structure. It can be something small but relevant that still shows who you are and what action you would take when facing obstacles.

Aim to be truthful when giving your answer — you don’t want to be caught in a lie and risk your chances of landing the job !

Example answers

Here are some sample answers meant to inspire you when crafting your response. Don’t forget to keep it short and simple.

Showing initiative to deliver excellent customer service

In my part-time job as serving staff , I learned the ingredients of all the food and snacks on the menu to answer any question posed by a customer about our food ingredients due to their diet or allergies. I did this to avoid calling on the manager or chef whenever such an instance occurs. This little initiative resulted in faster service delivery and increased customer satisfaction.

Showing initiative to minimize company costs

In a previous role in a smaller firm, I realized that we were paying for a premium internet plan which pushed the company’s monthly costs to be considerably high. So, I worked out our monthly usage and then researched options that balanced cost and quality. I used my research to negotiate a more competitive price with our supplier. In the end, we were able to minimize costs, and my supervisor was happy that I’d taken the initiative on this.

Showing initiative to assist your team

A situation occurred in my last job at a warehouse. After completing my shift for the day, I discovered that one of my colleagues did not come for his night shift. The remaining workers would struggle to handle the incoming stock and the expedition.

I suggested to my superior that I stay at work for three extra hours to help the workers on the night shift because of the heavy workload. Even though I was worn out from having completed an eight-hour shift, I still felt it was the right thing to do, and so I did it. Taking such initiatives fostered a cordial relationship with everyone in the warehouse and created a stronger sense of team spirit.

Showing initiative to help your team save time

When I worked at a computer repair shop as a recent graduate , I didn’t hold a customer-facing position. I would simply sit in the back, check whatever devices were brought in and relay information to our shop assistant, who was responsible for handling calls.

Though the assistant was quite tech savvy, there were some abbreviations and terms they weren’t familiar with. So, I prepared a sheet with all this information, organized in alphabetical order, framed it and placed it on their desk. This saved us both a lot of time we would have otherwise spent in back-and-forth!

Showing initiative to improve organization

At my previous job, which was at a small marketing agency, I noticed that interdepartmental coordination wasn’t the strongest. Although my duties centered around design, I didn’t hesitate to chat to my manager about my observations, as I could tell many of my colleagues were becoming frustrated.

Although each team had its own internal deadlines, we couldn’t see one another’s schedules, and that kept slowing down our joint efforts. Suggesting we create a common calendar that was visible to all was welcomed by my manager, and she put me in charge of setting it up. My team was grateful!

Showing initiative to enhance online presence

At the previous organization I worked, I happened to notice that posting to our social media accounts was not uniform. There was no consistency as to the time of day nor days of the week that our content went online; it was done whenever someone had the time to take care of it.

As I knew that consistency boosts user reach, I came up with a simple schedule in my spare time and asked my colleagues who would like to get involved. We ended up taking turns, a person every week, to schedule ahead. Sure enough, our engagement went up!

What not to say

“Showing initiative at work” is listed as a desirable attribute on almost every job description out there, so it’s important to get your answer right. To do that, avoid saying the following, as they might come across as red flags!

“I had no choice, really”

Taking initiative involves problem solving and offering up a solution because your job matters to you. Or, at least, that’s what you want to show the recruiter.

Although most of us will have to deal with things that aren’t directly our responsibility at some point or other, that’s not the sort of foundation you want to build your answer on.

So, avoid speaking ill of your old colleagues and their tendency to turn a blind eye to things. Instead, consider the interview question and answer in a way that reflects on your own qualities, rather than those of your previous team.

“I desperately needed a promotion”

We all have reasons for doing what we do. Sometimes, we help others because we genuinely feel the desire to do so, while at other times, we may be anticipating something in return. Though there’s nothing inherently wrong with looking out for yourself in today’s highly competitive workplace, that’s probably not the best way to go about answering this question.

If you want to talk about reward, mention what the experience helped you learn and why it was beneficial to your career aspirations and goals for the future.

“I’m willing to do anything for my job”

Taking your career seriously and demonstrating an eagerness to help your team are excellent things to convey. However, not to the point where you’re completely throwing boundaries or self-respect out the window.

Contrary to what some might think, saying “no” can be just as powerful as saying “yes” in terms of progressing your career — and your interviewer knows this. So, don’t make it sound like you’ll take on anything. Your prospective employer needs to see your ability to prioritize your tasks effectively and gauge your time realistically!

“My previous manager was awful”

Working for someone who, in your eyes, is a bad leader is no fun situation to be in. When it comes to your old boss, you may have wondered, at times, how on Earth they got their position in the first place — that’s how bad they were at managing.

Or perhaps you thought your old boss was too intimidating, so staying on their good side was the only way to survive.

Though taking matters in your own hands is the reasonable thing to do in either of those scenarios, now isn’t the time to get into details. Stay calm, take a deep breath, and structure your answer in a way that highlights your own great qualities.

Final thoughts

Being asked about how you showed initiative in the past is one of the most common job interview questions you can get, next to “How did you hear about this position?” and “ Why should we hire you ?”

Of course, the hiring process is likely to involve more behavioral interview questions so your interviewer can gauge how you  respond to pressure  and  overcome obstacles at work. To stand out with your answers and outperform other applicants, ensure to implement these tips and practice your answers in advance!

Have you ever been asked this question at an interview? How did you respond? Let us know in the comments section below!

Originally published on September 3, 2018. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Finding a Job

Interview Questions

Interview Preparation

10 Initiative Skills and How to Develop Them

• Updated December 25, 2023
• Published August 27, 2023

Are you looking to learn more about Initiative skills? In this article, we discuss Initiative skills in more detail and give you tips about how you can develop and improve them.

What are Initiative Skills?

Initiative skills refer to the abilities and qualities that enable individuals to take proactive and independent actions in various situations. These skills are often highly valued in personal, academic, and professional contexts as they demonstrate an individual’s willingness and capability to go beyond what is expected and to drive positive change.

Initiative skills involve a combination of personal traits, behaviors, and competencies that empower individuals to identify opportunities, set goals, and take decisive actions to achieve them.

Here are some key initiative skills:

Proactivity

Creative problem-solving, decision-making, goal setting and planning, self-motivation, time management, communication skills, risk assessment and management.

• Adaptability

Persistence and Resilience

Initiative skills are applicable in various areas of life, including work, education, personal projects, and community involvement. They can lead to increased productivity, improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced self-confidence, and a greater sense of accomplishment. Developing and demonstrating initiative skills can set individuals apart in competitive environments and contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Top 10 Initiative Skills

Below, we discuss the top 10 Initiative skills. Each skill is discussed in more detail, and we will also give you tips on how you can improve them.

In a professional setting, proactivity is a critical initiative skill that involves the proactive anticipation and initiation of actions to drive positive outcomes and prevent potential issues. It is the art of taking charge of situations rather than merely reacting to them.

Proactive individuals exhibit a forward-thinking mindset, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth while addressing challenges before they escalate. Proactivity encompasses a range of skills, including foresight, problem-solving, and effective communication, all of which contribute to an individual’s ability to take the lead in shaping their work environment.

How to Improve Proactivity

Developing proactivity skills involves cultivating the ability to foresee potential obstacles and opportunities and taking appropriate steps in response. For instance, consider a project manager who proactively identifies a potential bottleneck in the project timeline and reallocates resources to prevent delays.

This demonstrates not only the skill of identifying potential issues but also the capacity to take decisive action. Effective communication is also vital in proactivity, as seen when an employee initiates a discussion about process improvements in a team meeting, subsequently leading to more efficient workflows.

In another scenario, a marketing professional demonstrates proactivity by conducting market research before launching a campaign. By analyzing trends and customer preferences beforehand, the professional can tailor the campaign to better resonate with the target audience.

This showcases the skill of proactive planning and strategic decision-making. Overall, in a professional context, proactivity empowers individuals to shape their work environment, demonstrate leadership qualities, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

In a professional setting, creative problem-solving is a crucial initiative skill that involves thinking innovatively to find unconventional solutions to complex challenges. It goes beyond traditional approaches and encourages individuals to explore new angles, perspectives, and ideas.

Creative problem-solving entails the ability to dissect problems, generate multiple solutions, and select the most effective and original one. This skill enables professionals to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of their organizations.

The skills that comprise creative problem-solving include the capacity to think critically, analyze situations from various viewpoints, and synthesize information to arrive at novel solutions. Imagine a software developer faced with a coding glitch that disrupts a project’s progress.

Instead of following standard debugging procedures, the developer creatively considers alternative coding structures, ultimately identifying an innovative solution that not only fixes the issue but also enhances the software’s overall functionality.

How to Improve Creative Problem-Solving

To improve creative problem-solving skills, professionals can engage in brainstorming sessions or collaborative workshops where diverse perspectives are encouraged. For instance, a marketing team aiming to revitalize a declining product could host a brainstorming session to generate new ideas for rebranding and reaching untapped markets. Such exercises foster a culture of open-mindedness and stimulate the generation of creative solutions.

Additionally, professionals can actively seek out challenges that require inventive approaches. A manager grappling with a team communication issue might initiate a trial of a new project management software, introducing a fresh solution to an ongoing problem.

In summary, creative problem-solving in a professional context involves innovative thinking, lateral reasoning, and the ability to conceptualize unconventional solutions. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to a dynamic work environment, demonstrate adaptability, and position themselves as valuable assets to their organizations.

In a professional setting, decision-making is a fundamental initiative skill that entails the ability to make effective and timely choices among various alternatives. It requires assessing available information, considering potential consequences, and selecting the course of action that aligns with organizational goals and individual responsibilities. Decisions made in the workplace have far-reaching implications, influencing everything from project outcomes to team dynamics and overall business success.

The skills encompassed by effective decision-making involve critical thinking, problem-solving, and risk assessment. Proficient decision-makers can analyze complex situations, identify key factors, and weigh pros and cons to arrive at informed choices. Consider a financial analyst tasked with recommending investment options to a client. By evaluating market trends, risk profiles, and potential returns, the analyst can offer a well-founded investment strategy that aligns with the client’s goals.

How to Improve Decision-Making

To improve decision-making skills, professionals can engage in scenario analysis and role-playing exercises. For example, a sales manager faced with choosing between two competing sales strategies could simulate the potential outcomes of each approach.

By envisioning the consequences, the manager can make a more informed decision. Seeking feedback from colleagues and mentors can also enhance decision-making. A project manager deliberating on whether to allocate additional resources to meet a tight deadline could consult team members for insights, benefiting from their diverse perspectives.

In summary, decision-making in a professional context involves the ability to evaluate options, anticipate outcomes, and make choices that drive positive results. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to efficient operations, effective teamwork, and the achievement of organizational objectives.

In a professional setting, goal setting and planning are essential initiative skills that involve defining clear objectives and developing comprehensive strategies to achieve them. Goal setting is the process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, while planning involves outlining the steps, resources, and timelines required to reach those goals. These skills enable individuals to focus their efforts, track progress, and effectively manage their tasks and projects.

Skills encompassed by goal setting and planning include strategic thinking, organization, time management, and attention to detail. Professionals adept in these areas can break down larger goals into actionable tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and create roadmaps that guide them toward successful outcomes.

For instance, a marketing manager aiming to launch a new product campaign might set a SMART goal of increasing website traffic by 20% within three months. To achieve this, they would plan tasks such as content creation, social media engagement, and targeted advertising, ensuring each step aligns with the overarching goal.

How to Improve Goal Setting and Planning

Improving goal setting and planning skills can be achieved through tools like to-do lists, project management software, and time-blocking techniques. For instance, a software developer looking to complete a complex coding project on time could break the project into smaller tasks, assign deadlines to each, and allocate focused time blocks for coding sessions.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting goals based on progress and changing circumstances is also crucial. A sales team leader, for example, might regularly assess team performance against quarterly sales targets and adjust strategies accordingly to ensure goals are met.

In summary, goal setting and planning in a professional context involve defining objectives, creating actionable plans, and executing tasks in an organized and strategic manner. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to increased productivity, efficient resource utilization, and the successful achievement of both individual and organizational goals.

Related :  10 Life Skills Coach Skills and How to Develop Them

In a professional setting, self-motivation is a vital initiative skill that involves an individual’s ability to remain internally driven and enthusiastic about their work without relying solely on external rewards or supervision. It signifies a strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and passion for tasks and projects. Self-motivated individuals proactively seek opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, even when faced with challenges or mundane tasks.

Skills encompassed by self-motivation include resilience, time management, and a growth mindset. Professionals with strong self-motivation can bounce back from setbacks, effectively manage their time to balance workloads, and maintain a positive attitude toward learning and self-improvement. For example, a software engineer faced with a series of coding errors remains motivated by viewing each error as a chance to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the programming language.

How to Improve Self-Motivation

Improving self-motivation can be achieved through setting personal goals and celebrating small victories. For instance, a project manager might break down a large project into milestones and acknowledge each achievement along the way. Cultivating a growth mindset is also essential, as it encourages professionals to view challenges as opportunities for development. A sales representative encountering a particularly tough sales quarter can approach it as a chance to enhance their sales techniques and interpersonal skills.

In summary, self-motivation in a professional context involves maintaining enthusiasm, dedication, and an internal drive to excel. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to their personal growth, enhance their overall job performance, and inspire others with their proactive and positive approach to work.

In a professional setting, time management is a critical initiative skill that revolves around efficiently allocating and organizing one’s time to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity. Effective time management involves prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and ensuring that important projects receive the attention they deserve. Professionals who excel in time management can maintain a balanced workload, reduce stress, and consistently deliver high-quality results.

Skills encompassed by time management include prioritization, organization, and focus. Professionals adept in time management can identify tasks that require immediate attention, allocate time for each task based on its significance, and stay focused on the task at hand. For instance, a marketing manager juggling multiple campaigns might prioritize launching the time-sensitive campaign first while allocating time blocks for brainstorming, content creation, and review throughout the day.

How to Improve Time Management

Improving time management can be accomplished through techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken into focused intervals followed by short breaks.

For instance, a graphic designer could dedicate 25-minute intervals to designing a project and then take a 5-minute break to recharge. Utilizing productivity tools like to-do lists and digital calendars is also essential. A project manager overseeing various projects could maintain a detailed project timeline in a calendar app, setting reminders for key milestones and deadlines.

In summary, time management in a professional context involves effectively using time to accomplish tasks and achieve goals. By refining these skills, professionals can optimize their work processes, enhance their efficiency, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, ultimately contributing to their personal and organizational success.

In a professional setting, communication skills are a fundamental initiative skill that encompasses the ability to convey information, ideas, and intentions clearly and effectively to others. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration, foster understanding, and inspire action among team members, colleagues, and stakeholders. Professionals who excel in communication can articulate their thoughts, actively listen, and adapt their messages to different audiences and contexts.

Skills encompassed by communication skills include active listening, verbal and written proficiency, and adaptability. Proficient communicators can engage in active listening by paying full attention to others, asking relevant questions, and seeking clarification when needed. A sales representative engaged in a client meeting actively listens to the client’s needs, extracting key information to tailor their sales pitch effectively.

How to Improve Communication Skills

Improving communication skills can be achieved through practicing clear and concise messaging. For example, a project manager leading a team meeting might use succinct language to outline project updates and expectations, ensuring that all team members grasp the information.

Developing emotional intelligence is also essential, as it helps professionals understand and manage their emotions and those of others during interactions. A manager providing constructive feedback to an employee demonstrates emotional intelligence by delivering feedback in a supportive and non-confrontational manner.

In summary, communication skills in a professional context involve effectively transmitting information and building rapport with others. By enhancing these skills, professionals contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, minimize misunderstandings, and facilitate the seamless flow of ideas and tasks within an organization.

In a professional setting, risk assessment and management are pivotal initiative skills that involve evaluating potential risks and uncertainties associated with decisions, projects, or actions and then developing strategies to mitigate or manage those risks effectively. Professionals skilled in risk assessment are adept at identifying possible challenges and devising plans to minimize negative impacts, ultimately contributing to informed and proactive decision-making.

Skills encompassed by risk assessment and management include critical thinking, foresight, and strategic planning. Proficient practitioners can analyze complex situations, weigh potential outcomes, and predict potential challenges. For instance, a financial analyst assessing investment options for a client considers market trends, economic conditions, and the client’s risk tolerance before recommending a balanced portfolio that aligns with their financial goals.

How to Improve Risk Assessment and Management

Improving risk assessment and management skills can be achieved by developing scenario analysis techniques. Professionals can simulate different scenarios to gauge the potential impact of various risks. For example, a project manager could create a contingency plan to address potential delays due to supply chain disruptions, outlining steps to secure alternative suppliers and maintain project timelines.

Collaborating with colleagues to gather diverse perspectives can also enhance risk assessment. A marketing team launching a new product might hold brainstorming sessions to identify potential challenges, such as market competition, and develop strategies to address these challenges preemptively.

In summary, risk assessment and management skills in a professional context involve anticipating potential pitfalls and devising strategies to navigate them successfully. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to effective decision-making, protect project outcomes, and demonstrate a proactive approach to challenges and uncertainties.

In a professional setting, adaptability is a crucial initiative skill that refers to an individual’s capacity to adjust and thrive in the face of changing circumstances, unexpected challenges, and evolving environments. Professionals who are adept at adaptability can quickly assess new situations, embrace change, and modify their approaches as needed. This skill is vital in dynamic work environments where technological advancements, market shifts, and unforeseen events require individuals to remain agile and open-minded.

Skills encompassed by adaptability include flexibility, problem-solving, and resilience. Professionals skilled in adaptability can readily switch between tasks, embrace new technologies, and identify alternative solutions when their initial plans encounter obstacles. For instance, a project manager facing unexpected delays due to resource shortages might quickly reassign team members and realign project timelines to ensure successful completion.

How to Improve Adaptability

Improving adaptability can be achieved by seeking new experiences and challenges outside one’s comfort zone. Professionals can take on cross-functional projects or assignments that require them to learn new skills or work with different teams.

Additionally, practicing a growth mindset, which involves viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, can enhance adaptability. For example, a marketing specialist confronted with changing consumer preferences might view it as a chance to research and implement innovative marketing strategies that cater to the evolving market landscape.

In summary, adaptability in a professional context involves embracing change, responding to unexpected situations, and thriving amidst uncertainty. By honing these skills, professionals contribute to organizational resilience, inspire innovation, and position themselves as valuable assets who can effectively navigate shifting business landscapes.

In a professional setting, persistence and resilience are indispensable initiative skills that refer to an individual’s ability to remain determined, motivated and focused on their goals despite setbacks, failures, and challenges. Professionals who exhibit persistence and resilience can bounce back from disappointments, maintain a positive outlook, and keep pushing forward even when faced with adversity. These skills are vital in navigating the ups and downs of a competitive and ever-changing work environment.

Skills encompassed by persistence and resilience include perseverance, emotional regulation, and adaptive thinking. Professionals who excel in these areas can stay committed to their objectives, manage stress effectively, and adjust their strategies when confronted with obstacles. For instance, a salesperson who faces multiple rejections continues to refine their sales pitch, adapting it based on customer feedback and learning from each interaction to eventually close deals successfully.

How to Improve Persistence and Resilience

Improving persistence and resilience can be achieved by developing a growth mindset. Professionals can approach challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures, allowing setbacks to fuel personal and professional development. Additionally, seeking support from mentors or colleagues can enhance resilience. A manager struggling to meet tight deadlines might seek advice from a mentor who has experienced similar challenges, gaining insights and guidance on effective time management techniques.

In summary, persistence and resilience in a professional context involve maintaining determination and a positive attitude in the face of difficulties. By honing these skills, professionals demonstrate unwavering commitment to their goals, contribute to a culture of perseverance within their organization, and inspire others to approach challenges with courage and adaptability.

Related :  Top 10 Soft Skills Employers Are Looking For In Job Candidates

Initiative Skills Conclusion

In a rapidly evolving and competitive professional landscape, the cultivation of initiative skills is no longer just a desirable trait but a fundamental necessity for success. The journey to becoming a proactive and impactful professional begins with the development of these 10 initiative skills: proactivity, creative problem-solving, decision-making, goal setting and planning, self-motivation, time management, communication skills, risk assessment and management, adaptability, persistence, and resilience.

Investing in these skills is an investment in one’s own growth and ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with a dynamic work environment. As professionals, we are often called upon to lead, innovate, and drive positive change. The initiative skills outlined in this article provide the blueprint for doing just that. By honing these skills, we become better equipped to anticipate challenges, craft innovative solutions, make informed decisions, manage our time efficiently, and communicate effectively.

The tips provided in this article offer actionable strategies to develop and enhance these initiative skills. The importance of setting clear, achievable goals, seeking new experiences, embracing change, fostering a growth mindset, and seeking guidance from mentors cannot be overstated.

As we embark on the journey of professional development, let us recognize that the path to success is not just about technical expertise but about our ability to take initiative, adapt, persevere, and inspire others along the way. By incorporating these skills into our professional toolkit, we are well on our way to becoming empowered, influential, and resilient professionals in an ever-changing world.

Related posts:

• 10 Life Skills Coach Skills and How to Develop Them
• 10 Industry Knowledge Skills and How to Develop Them
• 10 Barnes and Noble Bookseller Skills and How to Develop Them
• 10 Assistant Manager Skills and How to Develop Them
• 10 Merchandiser Skills and How to Develop Them

Rate this article

Your page rank:

MegaInterview Company Career Coach

Step into the world of Megainterview.com, where our dedicated team of career experts, job interview trainers, and seasoned career coaches collaborates to empower individuals on their professional journeys. With decades of combined experience across diverse HR fields, our team is committed to fostering positive and impactful career development.

You may also be interested in:

70 condolence messages for coworker, 10 nail technician skills and how to develop them, 10 creative writing skills and how to develop them, 10 financial management skills and how to develop them, interview categories.

• Interview Questions
• Cover Letter
• Interview Tips

Megainterview/Contact

• Career Interview Questions
• Write For Megainterview!
• Editorial Policy
• Privacy Policy / GDPR
• Terms & Conditions
• Contact: [email protected]

Sign-up for our newsletter

🤝 We’ll never spam you or sell your data

Popular Topics

• Accomplishments
• Career Change
• Career Goals
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Creative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Cultural Fit
• Customer Service
• Entry-Level & No Experience
• Growth Potential
• Honesty & Integrity
• Job Satisfaction
• Negotiation Skills
• Performance Based
• Phone Interview
• Problem-Solving
• Questions to Ask the Interviewer
• Salary & Benefits
• Situational & Scenario-Based
• Stress Management
• Time Management & Prioritization
• Uncomfortable
• Work Experience

Popular Articles

• What Is The Most Challenging Project You Have Worked On?
• Tell Me About a Time You Had to Deal With a Difficult Customer
• What Have You Done To Improve Yourself In The Past Year?
• Interview Question: How Do You Deal With Tight Deadlines?
• Describe a Time You Demonstrated Leadership
• Tell Me About a Time When You Took Action to Resolve a Problem
• Job Interview Questions About Working in Fast-Paced Environments
• Job Interview: What Areas Need Improvement? (+ Answers)
• Tell Me About a Time You Were On a Team Project That Failed
• Tell Me About a Time You Managed an Important Project

Our mission is to

Help you get hired.

Hofplein 20

3032 AC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Turn interviews into offers

Every other Tuesday, get our Chief Coach’s best job-seeking and interviewing tips to land your dream job. 5-minute read.