There are many other definitions of proactivity, but most of them unite on 3 aspects:
- it has a focus on the future: That means that one anticipates future events, rather than reacting to the current ones. This requires seeing the big picture and analysing current trends, as well as the ability to make an educated guess for potential future developments.
- it is aimed at creating change. That requires thinking on a systemic level. Problems need to be responded to, but how does one create genuine change? That requires more than responding to problem – it means considering how things could be made better even if they appear to be working fine.
- it is self-initiated. It does not suffice to fulfill all tasks you are assigned – you need to set them for yourself. That means taking decisions on goals to be pursued, as well as the ways of realising them.
There are many reasons proactivity matters ever more in today’s working life. A few of them are that:
- job positions cannot remain unchangeable for long. Employees change position more often than before, but even on the same position, they have to perform different tasks than they used to.
- It is practically impossible for the employer to prescribe a course of action for every possible situation. Employees need to take decisions on their own – not just about the means, but often about the goals to be pursued
- the competitive pressure towards innovation requires proactiveness on all levels of the company, not just the management
This information was part of the SASSI LLC training materials. If you want to learn more, visit the Guide to becoming an Olderpreneur on the SASSI Hub.
