
Foresight averts disaster
It is a leader's dream to see all employees anticipating future
changes, opportunities or problems and preparing the business to face
problems by taking action today.
They are not simply reacting to cues from the operating environment,
but proactively trying to make a difference. This is crucial
to succeed or survive in today's fast changing business world with
its increasingly complex tasks.
At the organisational level, adapting and reacting to changes in
one's environment is not enough; companies need to be proactive to stay
ahead of competition. Reaction is costly and wastes time unnecessarily
and breeds de-motivation across the organisation.
Proactive employees
For the employee, a great way to build image at work and gain respect
and recognition is to be proactive. That means figuring out what needs
to be done before it shows up on your desk. It's all about anticipation.
What action could you take to help your boss, your co-worker, and
your business partners? Another way of looking at it is never function
in a reactive mode. Staying ahead of the curve will make your work-life
less chaotic.
Being proactive may even position you for job advancement. Everything
else being equal, proactive employees have an edge over others.
Employees should engage in self-starting, future-oriented behaviour
without constant direction and supervision by others.
As a life discipline, employees should not just let life happen to
them but rather, should try to manage, shape, expand and mould their
lives. In other words 'you control' and not 'be controlled' by external
factors. Dive deep into the current tasks you do within the work slate.
Ask yourself what extra things you can do to ensure success of the
activity you support in the value chain.
The paradigm shift required is to be clear about the outcome of the
activity you are supporting not just doing your part of the work better.
Doing what you regularly do, more efficiently and cost effectively
may demand proactive action too but going beyond your boundaries to make
a greater contribution makes more sense for you and your employer.
Pause for a moment and view your work from the perspective of
internal or external customers. The most respected employees in the
workplace are team players. Demonstrate a willingness to assist wherever
and whenever needed.
Do not wait for opportunities to come your way. Anticipate what's
next and take action now. Emulate others who are role models with
proactive behaviour and observe differences in approach, style and
behaviour.
Some of the most respected leaders in your company are proactive.
Observe their behaviour too. Look for an opportunity to spend a few
minutes with them. Explain your desire to be consistently proactive and
ask advice or new pointers. Many of us look to proactive people as the
instigators of action and creative ideas in society.
Work pattern
Proactive employees care about producing their best at all times. You
can avoid working in a reactive chaotic mode if you stay organised. Take
time to keep an orderly and timely work pattern to have free thinking
space to be proactive.
Being proactive means thinking and acting ahead of anticipated
events. This means using foresight. Not only is it a great method to
avoid more work down the road, but it can be extremely important to
avert disasters.
Planning well for the future and for instituting systems at work and
in study and planning at home can make life easier, not just for you,
but for others too, and besides, it may make you more popular. |