Build Your Career By Taking Initiative
Taking initiative bridges the gap between traditional leadership and the networked future of work.
"Opportunities don’t happen. You create them." – Chris Grosser
Your career isn’t something that just happens to you—you build it, one step at a time. Taking initiative is how you lay the foundation and make things happen. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the next opportunity or tell you what to do—spot the gaps, speak up, and show you’re ready to roll.
Here’s the twist: today’s workplace isn’t the same as it was even a decade ago. Leadership culture often comes from a world of hierarchy and structure, but we’re working in a networked culture now, where connections and collaboration drive everything.
For Gen Z, this shift feels natural—they’re wired for networks and thrive in decentralized ways of working. For leaders, this can feel like chaos, but it’s actually an opportunity to rethink how work gets done. Bridging this gap starts with mutual understanding—and initiative is the first step toward making that happen.
What’s Happening
Gen Z-ers Arent Ready for Work: Survey (Newsweek), Gen Z is clashing with traditional workplace expectations, with employers citing gaps in soft skills, motivation, and professionalism. Yet, this generation's push for purpose, transparency, and inclusion signals a shift in how workplaces must evolve to meet their unique values and strengths.
Gen Z and millennial worker productivity is being crushed by bosses who don’t understand them (Fortune), Gen Z and millennial workers are grappling with outdated workplace dynamics and a lack of support from older managers, leaving them feeling undervalued and unproductive. Bridging generational gaps with inclusive practices isn’t just good leadership—it’s the key to unlocking higher productivity and satisfaction for everyone.
I have 5 Gen Z children in the workforce, and they don't prioritize their careers. It made me rethink my life. (Business Insider), Watching his Gen Z children embrace a "work to live" mindset challenged this father to rethink his own career-driven identity. Inspired by their detachment from work, he sought therapy, shifted priorities, and now sees work as a means to financial independence rather than a defining purpose.
Quick Takes
Be a Connector - Build relationships and systems that amplify results by bringing the right people and ideas together.
Create, Don’t Wait - Spot what’s missing and take the first step to build something valuable.
Build Your Influence - Earn trust by showing up, delivering value, and following through.
A Guide to Taking Initiative
Taking initiative at work is your secret weapon for standing out, growing your skills, and stepping into leadership. Whether you’re pitching ideas, seeking opportunities to learn, or leading by example, proactive effort sets the stage for a thriving career.
Your Ideas are the Spark
The Big Picture: Taking initiative isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about seeing the bigger picture and finding ways to add value beyond what’s expected. It’s your chance to step up and show, “I’ve got ideas, and I’m ready to make a difference.”
Why It Matters: People who propose solutions and create opportunities don’t just get noticed—they earn trust and credibility. It shows you’re proactive, adaptable, and ready to take on more responsibility, qualities that are essential in dynamic work environments.
What You Can Do: Don’t wait for someone to tell you what’s missing—keep your eyes open for areas where things could be better or more efficient. Start with small, manageable changes that show your ability to spot opportunities and deliver results. Volunteer to tackle projects, bring fresh ideas to brainstorming sessions, or propose something innovative that others didn’t realize was needed.
For Leaders: Encourage initiative by creating an environment where employees feel confident bringing their ideas forward. When someone takes the step to suggest something new, listen openly and offer constructive feedback. Recognize and reward even small contributions to show that creativity and problem-solving are valued. Supporting initiative helps your team become more agile and resourceful, driving better outcomes for everyone.
Turn Initiative into Momentum
The Big Picture: Growth isn’t something that just happens—you have to actively pursue it. Taking initiative in your development puts you in control of your trajectory and positions you as someone who’s ready to evolve and adapt.
Why It Matters: Proactively seeking growth not only expands your skill set but also signals to others that you’re invested in your career. This approach helps you avoid stagnation, builds your confidence, and establishes you as a resourceful, future-ready team member.
What You Can Do: Take ownership of your growth by seeking feedback and looking for ways to stretch your abilities. Volunteer for challenging projects, pursue training that sharpens your skills, or connect with mentors who can guide your journey. The key is to stay curious and proactive—don’t wait for someone else to steer your development.
For Leaders: Create an environment where growth is a priority by offering clear opportunities for learning and advancement. Help your team identify areas for development and support them with the right tools—whether it’s a training program, a mentorship match, or project ownership. Celebrate their initiative to learn, and watch as they become more capable, confident, and connected contributors to your team’s success.
Step Up, Stand Out
The Big Picture: Initiative is the cornerstone of leadership in today’s interconnected workplace. It’s about recognizing what needs to be done, taking action, and inspiring others to join you—not through authority, but through example.
Why It Matters: In a networked environment, leadership is less about titles and more about influence. Those who take the reins early—by stepping upto challenges or proposing solutions—build trust and credibility, earning opportunities to lead on bigger stages.
What You Can Do: Identify team challenges where your contribution can make an impact and collaborate with others to drive results. Take the initiative to communicate proactively with your manager, offering to help with tasks that go beyond your role. Leadership in a connected world starts with showing you care about the success of the whole, not just your part.
For Leaders: Leadership today thrives in environments where initiative is encouraged and rewarded. Foster a culture where team members feel empowered to step up by modeling initiative yourself and providing clear pathways for ownership. Delegate responsibilities and give employees the tools and autonomy to succeed. Recognize even small leadership moments—they’re the seeds that inspire others to take action and contribute to a more dynamic and engaged workplace.
Taking Initiative in a Networked Future of Work
In a world where collaboration and connections fuel progress, taking initiative isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about understanding how your actions ripple across the network. Here’s a step-by-step exercise to help you step up and thrive in a connected workplace:
Step 1: Identify One Connection You Can Strengthen
Look beyond your immediate tasks and consider the bigger picture of how your work connects with others. Where do you see breakdowns in communication, missed opportunities for collaboration, or untapped resources?
Example: Maybe your team struggles with cross-department communication, or you notice a lack of shared knowledge on tools or best practices.
Action: Write down one specific opportunity to strengthen a connection or improve collaboration in your network.
Step 2: Map Collaborative Solutions
Think of three ways to address the issue using the networked nature of your workplace. Focus on solutions that engage others and foster collaboration.
Example: If cross-department communication is an issue, propose a shared chat channel, set up quick sync meetings, or create a centralized resource hub for updates and insights.
Action: Choose the idea that maximizes collaboration and refine it. How can you involve others in shaping the solution?
Step 3: Build Buy-In Across the Network
Taking initiative in a networked workplace often means rallying others to your idea. Frame your solution in a way that highlights its benefits to the team or organization as a whole.
Example: “I noticed we’re missing updates from other departments. Setting up a shared Slack channel could help us collaborate better and stay aligned. I’d be happy to coordinate it if others are on board.”
Action: Share your idea with the relevant people, emphasizing how it strengthens connections and improves outcomes for everyone.
Step 4: Execute Together
Collaboration is key in a networked workplace, so involve others in putting your solution into action. Share responsibilities, seek feedback, and keep communication open.
Example: Once the shared Slack channel is live, encourage team members to contribute updates and resources. Check in periodically to keep it active and useful.
Action: Track how your solution impacts the team or organization and share the results to demonstrate its value.
Step 5: Reflect and Grow Your Network
After implementing your idea, reflect on what worked and what could improve. Consider how this initiative strengthened your connections and what opportunities it opened for future collaboration.
Example: Did the Slack channel improve communication? Who engaged the most, and how can you build on that momentum?
Action: Commit to identifying new ways to connect and collaborate within your network regularly. Taking initiative in a networked environment is about building a habit of spotting opportunities and acting on them.
This exercise isn’t just about fixing issues—it’s about creating stronger networks and demonstrating your ability to thrive in a connected workplace. Start small, stay curious, and watch how your efforts create a ripple effect across your career.
Wrap Up
Thanks for reading! Your feedback is invaluable as we refine this newsletter to deliver the insights and tools you need. If there’s a specific topic you’d like to see, or if you’d prefer more coaching tips or real-time news content, drop me an email.