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INITIATIVE

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they do not quit – Conrad Hilton

Of all things a leader should fear, compliancy should head the list – John Maxwell

What are the qualities of a leader who makes things happen? Consider these four qualities.

THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT

Many people reflect the thinking of humorous pianist, Oscar Levant, “Once I make up my mind, I am full of indecision.” Unfortunately, this is how many people operate. No one can be indecisive and effective at the same time. Napoleon Hill, author in the 1930’s stated, “The starting point of al achievement is desire.” If you are going to be effective as a leader, you’ve got to know what you want.

THEY PUSH THEMSELVES TO ACT

There is an old saying, “You can if you will!” Initiators do not wait for other people to motivate them. They know it is there responsibility to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. President Theodore Roosevelt stated, :There is nothing brilliant or outstanding in my record except for one thing: I do the things that I believe ought to be done…and when I make up my mind to do a thing, I act.”

THEY TAKE MORE RISKS

When leaders know what they want and can push themselves to act, they still have one more hurdle. That is a willingness to take risks. Proactive people take risks. One of the reasons good leaders are willing to take risks is They recognize there is a price for not initiating too. President Kennedy asserted once, “There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”

THEY MAKE MORE MISTAKES

The good news for initiators is they make things happen. The bad news is they make a lot of mistakes. IBM founder Thomas J Watson stated, “The way to succeed is to double your failure rate.” Strong leaders do not fear failure. Robert Kennedy stated that those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

How can we improve on our initiating? Let’s try the following:

Change your mind-set – If you lack initiative recognize that the problem comes from the inside and not from others. Determine why you hesitate and then speak directly to this issue.

Don’t wait for opportunity to knock – Opportunity does not knock at your door. Take inventory of your talents and resources. Start directing your energy in the area of a need.

Take the next step – It is one thing to see opportunity. It is another to act upon it. Take the best of your ideas as far as you can take them. Do not stop until you have done everything you can to make it happen.

Reflection

Are you an initiator? Are you constantly looking for opportunities or are you waiting for them to come to you? Are you willing to act upon our instincts or do you over analyze everything? Former Chrysler Chairman Lee Iaooca stated, “Even the right decision is the wrong decision if you wait to long.” When is the last time that you initiated something in your life? If you have not pushed yourself lately to get our of the comfort zone, you may need to jump start your initiative.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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