What is a person with initiative?
A person with initiative is someone who doesn’t just think or talk about what needs to be done – but actually takes action. Initiative is about the ability to turn ideas, goals, or values into concrete actions, even when faced with obstacles or uncertainty. It is closely tied to determination, responsibility, and courage.
According to psychological research, initiative is often linked to self-leadership and self-efficacy. Albert Bandura, one of the most influential psychologists in this field, demonstrated in his studies that people with high self-efficacy (belief in one’s own ability) are more likely to take initiative and stay committed to their goals, even in the face of setbacks. This is summarized in his book Self-efficacy: The Exercise of Control (Bandura, 1997), which remains a central reference in psychology and leadership.
Which aspects of initiative does JobMatch measure?
| Aspect of Initiative | Description | How JobMatch Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Taking Initiative | Starting without waiting for perfect conditions. | JobMatch Talent measures drive and activity level, which can indicate whether a person naturally takes initiative. |
| Determination | Daring to make decisions and stand by them. | By analyzing decision-making style and stress tolerance, the test provides a basis for developing a more confident decision-making process. |
| Solution Orientation | Focusing on what can be done rather than the problems. | JobMatch can identify problem-solving ability and creativity, which helps in recruiting proactive people. |
| Responsibility | Taking responsibility for outcomes, both in success and failure. | JobMatch assesses responsibility-taking tendencies, offering insights into accountability in different situations. |
Exercise to strengthen initiative
A simple exercise is to write down the things you have been postponing and then take one small step toward completing them – right away. It could be making a phone call, booking a meeting, or starting a task you’ve been avoiding. After a week, reflect on how it felt to take action and whether it became easier each time.
This kind of gradual training strengthens both your self-efficacy and your habit of acting promptly, making it more natural to take initiative in larger and more challenging situations.