Proactivity/Empowerment

Objectives Comprehend how proactivity relates to effective leadership. Understand how authority, responsibility, and accountability contribute to empowerment. Learn how the concept of empowerment applies to leadership. Realize the relationship between empowerment and proactivity in effective leadership.

Proactivity What is it? Taking initiative and responsibility. Be competent, fully knowledgeable. Consistent quality regardless of circumstance. Accept circumstances and make conscious decisions.

Proactivity Proactive is not: Pushy, obnoxious, aggressive. Defying orders. Modifying responsibility. Sidestepping accountability because of convenience.

Proactive vs. Reactive Proactive Value driven, get the most out of their environment. See and choose their course of action. Face reality and then create a positive, goal oriented plan of accomplishment. Reactive Allow the environment to control their actions. Lack foresight, and get caught unprepared. Often forced into a decision rather than choosing how to act.

Proactive vs. Reactive Language Proactive I choose I prefer I’ll look at my options I’ll try a different way I’ll adjust my priorities Reactive I can not I have to There is nothing I can do I am what I am I’m too busy

Proactive vs. Reactive Proactive Focus energy and effort on things they can change. Accept the uncontrollable. Nature of energy is positive, inviting, growing. Reactive Focus on problems they cannot control. Consume areas they could control. Everything becomes a concern about which nothing can be done.

Proactive vs. Reactive Responsibility, accountability, seek understanding rather than making excuses. Admit a mistake, correct it, and learn from it before it festers and grows. Avoid responsibility Rationalize, justify why they shouldn’t have it. Eventually leads to outright lying.

Empowerment Two Types: Formal: A position or title formally awarded by the command. Informal: Ensuring the subordinate feels like a valuable member of the team. They will be listened to and taken seriously.

Proactivity and Empowerment Good leaders empower people not positions. Empowerment encourages proactivity. One fails without the other. Proactive personnel will be rewarded with greater empowerment.

Summary Proactivity Proactive vs. Reactive Proactive/Reactive Language Empowerment