There are many parts to a machine that together can make something stronger and more powerful. What is unique about a human being facilitating the production of machines, is their innovation and initiative. In other words, initiative is the ability to take responsibility for your actions and not be told. In fact, companies often look for employees who show initiative. They are able to solve problems, prevent them from occurring, exceed quotas, be flexible and efficient, and have a perceptive mind that may allow them to gain more insight on problems their superiors might not see. We believe that initiative can be learned just like all other skills. Therefore, we invest a lot of resources in creating such participants. Participants will learn that initiative is a result of individuals' desire to excel, to be able work efficiently under pressure and to be able set goals.

Initiative strives to be an example of excellence in both action and mentality. This gives each participant the impetus - a reason - to achieve greater heights. The greatest mentors for them are those who are already exemplary in their field. This feeling of excellence can be maintained through various stress management skills. Actual Planning is a great example of this. With proper goal-setting and organizational skills, employees can achieve greater heights. We also offer customized training sessions that will allow you to concentrate on other areas. Paramount has many paths to becoming an outstanding employee. Our goal is to provide the best service possible for you and your team, regardless of which path you choose.

Training in Taking Initiative

Download PDF Outline

Lesson One

Getting Started

Icebreaker
Housekeeping Items
The Parking Lot
Workshop Objectives

Lesson Two

What is initiative?

Definition
Personal and professional benefits
Why People Don't Require Initiative
Make initiative a priority
Case Study
Lesson Two: Review Questions

Lesson Three

Get to Know Your Customers

Keep an open mind
Be flexible
Making decisions
Take responsibility
Case Study
Lesson Three: Review Questions

Lesson Four

Measure in

Know your strengths and skills
Do the extra mile
Pay attention
Fill in the gaps
Case Study
Lesson Four: Review Questions

Lesson Five

When you can move beyond the Standard

Before you act, consider culture and values
Is it within the scope of your authority?
Communicate your ideas
Act Solutions
Case Study
Lesson Five: Review Questions

Lesson Six

The Consequences

Ask questions
Analyze Risk, Impact, and Cost
Is Authorization Necessary?
When the risks are too high
Case Study
Lesson Six: Review Questions

Lesson Seven

Good or Bad

The Fantastic
The Terrible
Develop Judgment
Avoid Acting on Emotion
Case Study
Lesson Seven: Review Questions

Lesson Eight

Confidence

Are You Confident?
Building confidence
Positive thoughts
Visualization
Case Study
Lesson Eight: Review Questions

Lesson Nine

Find Opportunities

Opportunities for Internal Use
External Opportunities
Use Core Competencies
Which Problems Are There and How Can They Be Solved?
Case Study
Lesson Nine: Review Questions

Lesson Ten

Be Persistent

Handle Setbacks
Manage Change
Modify Ideas as Needed
Moving Forward
Case Study
Lesson Ten: Review Questions

Lesson Eleven

Balance Initiative and Restraint

Take into account the work involved in an idea
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Learn the buy-in of stakeholder
Don't push all ideas forward
Case Study
Lesson Eleven: Review questions

Lesson Twelve

Wrapping up

Words from the Wise
Parking Lot Review
Lessons Learned
Completed Action Plans and Evaluations

Contact the host of Taking Initiative Training