5 Steps to Increase Productivity and Initiative

Taking more initiative at work isn’t always easy, especially when you get into a groove and a comfortable schedule. However, if you’d like to work your way up the corporate ladder, or you’re already there but want more productivity, initiative is vital. It will help you stand out from the crowd and give you more opportunities. Take a look to see how you can work extra initiative into your workday.

Show Up Early

We’ve often heart the early bird catches the worm, and it’s true. If you’re looking to get a head start on the day, show up to work a few minutes before everyone else gets there. This will help you center your mind and adequately prepare for the workday ahead. It also allows you to get a running head start on the tasks you need to complete. As the day goes on, most people become tired and restless. If you’re showing up early, you’re more likely to complete more work with more focus in less time.

Anticipate Needs

If you see a need, fill it. If your company is in a transitional period, have the foresight to see what could potentially go wrong and do your best to thwart a disaster. If you notice changes in your company’s process are actually slowing down you and other employees, see if you can’t work out a solution that can streamline everyone’s workday.

Find Ways to Fill the Gaps

If the secretary is away on vacation for the next two weeks, help the front desk personnel continue to keep the transition smooth. If you’re not sure if there’s anything you can do to help, just ask. The worst they might say is no.

Volunteer Your Time

If an employee is struggling with a specific process that you have a full grasp on, consider training them or showing them one-on-one your own secrets. Even if it’s not in your job description, your office is filled with people who are all on your team. As a stronger member, help out others and see if you can’t foster a workplace of more collaboration.

Get More Education

If you desire to climb the corporate ladder, experience is great and important. However, there are many times when people get stuck. Experience is wonderful, but many employers also want to see you have the formal education and training to back it up. If you’re already in the workforce, consider going back to school part time. Though experience is valuable, don’t forget to get more education to back it all up.

Oftentimes, we don’t want to do more work than we absolutely have to. Getting into this discipline of showing more initiative will only benefit your career now and in the future.

Author: Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger for sites like MBAOnline which offers an MBA in leadership to help boost your status at work. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.