Workplace Readiness Skill 03 - Initiative and Self-Direction

Employers look for prospective employees who already have certain skills and traits when they apply for jobs.  One of these traits in initiative, which is...

• working well with others

• analyzing and summarize data

• minding your own business and not asking too many questions

• doing things independently, without being told

Tags

WRS-03

Jaishon just started his job as a cashier at a fast food restaurant. His manager told his senior coworker, Sheila, to assist him if he asks for help. A few hours into their shift, Sheila sees Jaishon struggling to help a customer, who is starting to get visibly annoyed. What should Shelia do in this situation?

• Focus on helping her customers and apologize for the disturbance

• Ignore the situation since Jaishon hasn't asked for help

• Immediately call the manager to help him

• Ask Jaishon if he needs help and assist him

Tags

WRS-03

Dominique always empties the office trash can when it is full to prevent trash from spilling onto the floor, even though she knows a custodian will come by at the end of the day to clean. She is demonstrating...

• Initiative

• Innovation

• Customer Service

• Critical Thinking Skills

Tags

WRS-03

During her annual performance review, Nancy's supervisor says she wants her to show more initiative. What should Nancy do to meet her supervisor's expecations?

• Show disinterest in learning and professional development

• Take on additional tasks without being asked

• Resist change and new ideas

• Ignore tasks and responsibilities outside her job description

Tags

WRS-03

Which is the best example of showing initiative?

• Following procedures exactly

• Seizing an opportunity for advancement

• Producing consistent results

• Responding to work emails

Tags

WRS-03

Anne works at a dog grooming salon.  One morning her manager tells the team that another groomer called in sick at the last minute, and had a fully booked schedule of dogs for the day.  How can Anne show initiative in this situation?

• Focus on the dogs on her own schedule.

• Offer to groom some of her coworker's dogs and reschedule the rest.

• Call her sick coworker and tell her to get well soon.

• Tell her manager that they should groom the dogs themself.

Tags

WRS-03

Jane finds the task allocation system at her workplace to be inefficient. She devises a new method and presents it to her supervisor, explaining how it could enhance productivity. This demonstrates Jane's:

• adaptability

• respect for diversity

• integrity

• initiative

Tags

WRS-03

How can you develop self-direction skills for the workplace?

• Wait for instructions from others

• Set clear goals, create a plan, manage time effectively, and be proactive

• Only do those tasks which are directly assigned to you

• Make a list of all of your preferred tasks and share it with your supervisor

Tags

WRS-03

Which of the following statements reflects a person with strong initiave and self-direction skills?

• "I only do what I'm told to do."

• "I identify needs and take steps to address them."

• "I prefer to let others make decisions for me."

• "I won't do anything that's not in my job description."

Tags

WRS-03

What is one way to show initiative at work?

• Wait for instructions before doing anything

• Keep to yourself and avoid interacting with others

• Take the time to understand the company's needs and propose new ideas

• Ignore feedback and do things your own way

Tags

WRS-03