Vol. XXXXIX

Dear Manager,

There are two qualities that I admire most. I look for these qualities in those with whom I work, those who manage their own businesses, and in my own children. They can be learned through the example of others at home, school, or by working with a manager who sees potential and is willing to challenge. I am not convinced that these qualities receive adequate emphasis as being a valuable life skill.

Most of us began our careers with an entry-level position. More than any others, these two qualities were likely to have impacted our future growth and success. Talent and knowledge pale in the face of …

INITIATIVE

From a manager’s perspective, I can’t think of a greater quality to bring to one’s career. While there are many individuals with initiative, there are far more without. Initiative demands a strong understanding of one’s own position, its relationship to the whole and, most importantly, an awareness of one’s fellow workers.

These individuals are the Radar O’Reilys (of M*A*S*H fame) of the working world. They are simply aware. Their job description is transcended by their desire to accomplish tasks, whether or not it is “their job.” They are consistently one step ahead and resourceful. Rarely are these individuals looking for outright recognition. Their satisfaction is personal, and comes from meeting the needs of the organization.

Typical of these individuals is, “I noticed that you’ve scheduled a meeting for next week. I ordered extra note pads, pastries for the morning break, and will make sure that the conference room is ready.” They do all of this without being asked because they pay attention.

When surrounded by initiative, it allows a manager’s position to shine. These individuals become indispensable, regardless of current internal business trends. In fact, the tougher it gets, the more valuable they become. These people aren’t clock watchers. Their higher purpose is to get the job done, and then some.

As they continue to grow within their own position, they assist others. They are very keen at learning the skills of others, with no desire for credit. Showing an awareness and understanding in the skills of others, they are first to be recognized for new positions that may become available. Their abilities will also challenge others to be at their best.

The contrasting situation for any manager is the individual who simply takes no responsibility for tasks beyond the norm. As managers, we must now consistently define responsibilities that can be accomplished without our need to know. Being responsible for our own day, in addition to the day of those around us, becomes a real drag. Worry creeps in as we speculate about the important functions that may not have been accomplished by those around us. Is it really easier to do it all?

I’m sure we’ve all been on both sides of this equation. We must continue to reach out for those individuals with this very intuitive quality. In application, it simply doesn’t get any better! You might be wondering what more we could possibly ask. How about a strong sense of

AMBITION

I believe ambitious individuals, and often those with strong initiative, have gotten a bad rap in recent years. If you are labeled as ambitious, it suggests to some that you are willing to trample your peers to attain your ultimate objective. I am not referencing this aspect of blind and self-serving ambition.

Ambition, like initiative, can be highly productive and positive. We have all heard of the high-level manager or owner of a business who began by sweeping the floors. This person’s goal wasn’t to just clean floors, it was to be the best sweeper in the Floor Sweeper Hall of Fame!

Even I would have a hard time in swallowing it if you believed this individual had a vision of one day being President of the company. Was this person’s sweeping expertise noticed by those in a position of authority? Did this individual rise over others with greater tenure and less ambition? Should this person have apologized for having been of greater value to the company? Should this person have recognized “their place” and remained forever satisfied with a role as a sweeper?

Those with positive ambition are sensitive to their surroundings. They have the ability to bring out the best in themselves and in others. They lead by example rather than at the expense of others. They are often the first to recognize high achievement in others. Those around them either see a similar opportunity for themselves, or grumble their way to self-imposed mediocrity.

Perhaps being an overachiever is the best way to describe these individuals. Those who see these individuals as “brown nosers” simply don’t understand the mind set of an overachiever and never will. These individuals listen to a different voice, one deep down in their gut.

Most of us grew up working for someone. With good fortune the die was cast relating to these important qualities. We all learn best by example. As managers we can assist in their development, but there has to be a receptive student for these qualities to find a home…

The passion to advance and take greater advantage of one’s skills is inherent to success. While as managers we hold the torch, we must not compromise our own standards to accommodate the lowest common denominator. I believe initiative and ambition are two qualities that are rarely addressed in an interview or in the ongoing training process of our
staff members. It is as if we simply sit back and hope that these qualities will reveal themselves.

I believe it may be time for all of us to address these skills in very specific terms and surround ourselves with those who understand. Address their importance by emphasizing them as fundamental qualities that are routinely expected of their position within the organization. Think ahead of the game – there is no greater way to get noticed. Simply putting in one’s hours, and taking little responsibility for one’s position relating to the whole, is not good enough in today’s world.

On an ongoing basis, we must continue to acknowledge, reward, and promote those individuals with initiative and a positive sense of ambition.

Personal Regards,

Keenan

INTERPERSONAL© is published by INTERPERSONALBIZ.COM, Keenan Longcor, Editor, ©2009. Duplication of this publication is permitted for both personal and business use. Excerpts may only be quoted with acknowledgment of INTERPERSONAL/INTERPERSONALBIZ.ORG as the source. For re-publication rights, please contact the editor at KEENAN@INTERPERSONALBIZ.COM