One of the things I like the most about working at a startup is that no one tells you to stay in your lane. In fact, because resources are scarce and there’s always more to do than time in the day, people usually thank you for getting out of your lane and being proactive.
There are enough people in the world that will simply do what they are told to do. That’s not a bad thing, but we need more people that will find and solve problems worth solving without having to be told to do so.
Here’s what I think it takes to be proactive:
Trusting in yourself and your point of view. No one else sees things the way you do, trust that you have a valuable perspective to offer.
The confidence that you can make a difference.
Humility to ask for help and work with others. Just because you see a problem worth solving doesn’t mean you have to solve it alone.
The ability to get buy-in from others. You need to be able to communicate your perspective and explain why the problem you see needs solving.
The freedom to make a difference. Yeah, you might mess up now and then, but you need a culture that is willing to risk that happening because the benefits will outweigh the negatives.
When those things combine, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when you’re able to be proactive and make a real difference.
Comments