What does it mean to demonstrate initiative at work?

• A. Wait for instructions before acting.
• B. Proactively identify needs and take action without being asked.
• C. Take unnecessary risks.
• D. Only work on assigned tasks.

Answer: (B)

Showing initiative means actively looking for what needs to be done and taking action without being asked. It’s about being proactive, resourceful, and responsible—recognizing a gap or opportunity and stepping in to address it rather than waiting for direction. In practice, initiative might look like identifying a workflow bottleneck and proposing a small improvement, or volunteering to take on a task that will help the team reach its goals, even if it isn’t strictly required. It’s important to pursue helpful changes thoughtfully, staying aligned with safety, policies, and the team’s priorities rather than taking reckless or improvised actions. Limiting yourself to only what you’re told or waiting for instructions means you miss chances to contribute and add value, and taking unnecessary risks undermines trust and effectiveness.