Questionnaire Items Measuring Action
Definition: Action reflects the ability to proactively address challenges, take initiative, and act decisively to drive results while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. It involves being resourceful, ambitious, and tenacious in overcoming obstacles, as well as responsive and preemptive in mitigating potential issues. Effective action includes delegating tasks appropriately, maintaining responsibility, and ensuring timely, results-oriented efforts to achieve goals with efficiency and innovation.
Action skills are crucial for productivity and achieving goals. The main components of Action skills include:
- Boosts Initiative and Problem-Solving: Employees who take action proactively address challenges, seek solutions, and drive progress without waiting for direction.
- Enhances Efficiency and Time Management: Taking decisive action ensures tasks are completed promptly, deadlines are met, and operations run smoothly.
- Encourages Ownership and Accountability: Employees who act decisively take responsibility for their work, fostering reliability and a results-driven mindset.
- Strengthens Adaptability and Resilience: Action-oriented employees navigate obstacles with confidence, quickly adjusting strategies to overcome setbacks.
- Drives Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Employees who embrace action seek new opportunities, refine processes, and contribute fresh ideas that enhance performance and business success.
Action gives managers the ability to proactively tackle challenges, make decisive choices, and drive impactful results that foster a culture of excellence and ongoing improvement. It empowers them to navigate obstacles with resourcefulness, ambition, and tenacity while ensuring responsiveness to potential risks and preemptively addressing concerns before they escalate. Through strategic delegation, accountability, and efficiency, managers can lead teams with precision, optimize workflows, and execute initiatives that advance organizational success.
360-Feedback Assessments Measuring Action:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)
Survey 13 (4-point scale; numbers; floating anchors)
Survey 14 (4-point scale; N/A)
360-Degree Feedback Questionnaire Items
Action is a core competency for managers because it empowers them to proactively address challenges, make decisive choices, and drive meaningful results that align with organizational goals. Managers who embrace action take initiative in solving problems, delegate tasks effectively, and ensure that efforts remain timely and results-oriented. Their ability to be resourceful, tenacious, and ambitious allows them to lead teams through obstacles with efficiency, creativity, and strategic execution.
Beyond daily decision-making, action-oriented managers foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high performance. They anticipate potential roadblocks, mitigate risks, and empower employees with clear direction and support. By maintaining responsibility, ensuring innovation, and responding with agility, managers create momentum within their teams, optimizing productivity and sustaining long-term success.
ProactiveProactive focuses on actively taking steps to address potential issues and opportunities before they escalate or arise. This dimension emphasizes identifying areas for improvement, developing solutions ahead of time, and using strategies to prevent small problems from becoming critical incidents. It reflects a mindset of staying ahead of challenges by preparing for and addressing foreseeable needs within a broader scope.
- Is proactive rather than reactive in work.
- Identifies opportunities for improvement before there is a problem.
- Is proactive in developing solutions to problems.
- Takes proactive steps to address potential issues before they became a problem.
- Is proactive in addressing the needs of the department.
- Takes corrective action when necessary.
- Takes steps to prepare for the start of the project.
- Uses strategies to stay ahead of potential challenges at work.
- Prevents small issues from becoming critical incidents.
- Fixes small issues before they become critical incidents.
PreemptivePreemptive highlights anticipating specific critical incidents and taking targeted actions to mitigate their impact or prevent them entirely. It is more narrowly focused on immediate preparation and preventative maintenance, such as anticipating needs, preparing equipment, or taking action to avoid obstacles and delays. This dimension reflects a readiness to deal with potential threats to ensure continuity and efficiency.
- Anticipates needs and takes pre-emptive action to address the issue.
- Prepares equipment at the start of the shift.
- Takes preemptive actions avoid obstacles or delays.
- Regularly conducts preventative maintenance on the equipment.
- Anticipates critical incidents in the department and takes steps to mitigate their effect.
AmbitiousAmbitious emphasizes drive, energy, and a desire to achieve beyond expectations. It reflects a proactive mindset aimed at excelling and creating opportunities to contribute at a high level. This dimension includes a focus on sustained enthusiasm, handling complex tasks, and seeking to exceed responsibilities while maintaining personal ambition. It is strongly tied to the individual's intrinsic motivation and aspiration to excel and produce exceptional outcomes.
- Displays high energy and enthusiasm on consistent basis.
- Seeks out opportunities to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
- Creates opportunities and then takes advantage of them.
- Initiates actions to get things done.
- Effectively handles multiple complex issues simultaneously.
- Is ambitious when working on the project.
- Takes action when opportunities arise.
- Is driven to complete a high amount of work.
- Stays focused and productive when there's work to be done.
- Exhibits personal ambition and drive but not at expense of others.
- Exhibits personal ambition and drive.
InitiativeInitiative highlights the willingness to take the first step or act independently to address needs or challenges. It is rooted in decisiveness and the ability to respond to situations proactively without waiting for external direction. This dimension emphasizes quick action, problem-solving, and being the first to take charge or adapt to changes in the environment, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.
- Is the first to volunteer for assignments.
- Takes the initiative and does not wait for the situation to change.
- Fixes problems when they occur.
- Takes the initiative to address problems sooner rather than later.
- Takes advantage of changes to the current situation.
- Initiates projects or tasks that have a positive impact on the team.
- Decides to act rather than remain passive.
- Identifies needs and takes steps to address them.
- Will take action to address a problem rather than to wait to confer with others about the situation.
- Takes charge without being asked.
TenaciousTenacious emphasizes resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. It highlights the ability to stay committed to goals despite obstacles, setbacks, or slow progress. This dimension centers on overcoming adversity, adapting approaches, and maintaining focus to ensure success even when circumstances are difficult. It reflects a determined and relentless drive to achieve objectives no matter the barriers encountered.
- Adapts approach to overcome significant obstacles.
- Persists in work despite obstacles encountered.
- Successfully makes progress despite repeated failures or setbacks at work.
- Overcomes obstacles that may impede progress on a task.
- Completes challenging projects successfully despite setbacks.
- Stays committed to goals even when progress is slow.
- Focuses on tasks without being distracted.
- Pursues goals with action to achieve success.
- Completes tasks despite obstacles encountered.
- Demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity.
DecisiveDecisive emphasizes making confident and effective decisions. It centers on taking swift and clear action, especially under pressure, avoiding "analysis paralysis," and confidently standing by choices. This dimension focuses on the individual's ability to assess situations, take corrective measures when needed, and act decisively to resolve issues or advance objectives.
- Is not afraid to take corrective action when necessary.
- Makes effective decisions, even when under pressure.
- Effectively makes decisions
- Is not afraid to take action when necessary.
- Is decisive when making decisions.
- Makes decisions confidently and stands by them.
- Takes action when necessary.
- Avoids "Analysis Paralysis" through action.
Goes Above and BeyondGoes Above and Beyond focuses on exceeding expectations and contributing beyond assigned responsibilities. It is about proactively taking on additional challenges, supporting others, and seeking opportunities for advancement and self-improvement. This dimension reflects a culture of excellence, where individuals not only fulfill their roles but actively look for ways to elevate the team's success and continuously improve themselves.
- Motivates & supports others to gain skills
- Encourages and supports a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the department.
- Seeks new opportunities for advancement.
- Looks for extra ways to help the department achieve performance goals.
- Gladly accepts new challenges and works on them with urgency.
- Takes on additional responsibilities outside of the job description to help the team succeed.
- Seeks and utilizes opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
- Motivates others to achieve or exceed goals
- Motivates others to achieve or exceed professional goals
DelegatesDelegates emphasizes empowering and mobilizing others to achieve goals. It involves assigning tasks based on team members' strengths, determining the right person for specific responsibilities, and ensuring alignment with overall objectives. This dimension highlights distributing work effectively, establishing direction, and working collaboratively to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
- Drives and mobilizes others progress toward goals.
- Assigns tasks to team members based on their strengths.
- Delegates decision-making authority to team members.
- Establishes the tasks and direction for the team.
- Ensures that the team's tasks align with its overall objectives.
- Delegates tasks and assignments to subordinates as soon as a request has been made.
- Assigns tasks to individuals who are most able to perform them.
- Successfully identifies the right person for a job when distributing tasks.
- Determines the best person for a specific task within the team.
- Works with others to ensure tasks are completed.
ResourcefulResourceful highlights the strategic use of skills, resources, and systems to achieve goals. It involves navigating organizational structures, leveraging opportunities, and working across boundaries to convert plans into actions and exceed expectations. This dimension reflects a long-term, thoughtful approach where individuals optimize existing tools and strategies to accomplish objectives efficiently and effectively.
- Works across organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
- Creates performance measures to ensure action by the department.
- Leverages skills and resources to exceed expectations on projects.
- Takes advantage of opportunities to move the organization forward.
- Leverages skills and resources to exceed performance expectations.
- Converts plans into actions.
- Navigates organizational structures and boundaries to achieve goals.
- Works effectively within the organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
ResponsiveResponsive emphasizes quick action and adaptability in the face of immediate needs or situations. It focuses on addressing critical issues promptly, developing alternatives swiftly, and making necessary adjustments to meet evolving circumstances. This dimension demonstrates a readiness to act decisively in urgent situations, ensuring problems are addressed without delay.
- Changes course to meet the needs of a new situation.
- Rapidly adapts to changes in the situation.
- Takes action to respond to dissatisfied customer.
- Takes action in critical situations.
- Addresses performance issues quickly.
- Addresses safety issues immediately.
- Immediately develops alternatives and solutions when presented with a problem or issue.
- Acts immediately instead of waiting for someone else to solve the issue.
Results OrientedResults Oriented focuses on achieving goals and delivering tangible outcomes, regardless of challenges or delays. This dimension emphasizes determination, accountability, and a commitment to completing projects successfully, often demonstrating perseverance and adaptability. Individuals who are results oriented prioritize moving forward on important projects and ensuring high-quality outcomes while taking full responsibility for meeting performance standards.
- Does whatever it takes (within reason) to get the job done.
- Gets the job done.
- Moves forward on important projects.
- Undertakes actions to achieve specific goals.
- Completes tasks on time in spite of delays in the process.
- Creates innovative products and services.
- Takes responsibility for meeting performance standards.
- Does what it takes to get the job done.
Fast PacedFast Paced emphasizes speed and urgency in task execution. This dimension centers on working quickly and efficiently, avoiding procrastination, and immediately addressing assignments or challenges. It highlights the ability to act swiftly in dynamic environments, maintain momentum, and inspire a sense of urgency in others to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
- Works quickly when faced with difficult problems.
- Works at a quick pace.
- Maintains a sense of urgency in daily work routines.
- Acts quickly to create innovative products and services.
- Starts immediately working on assignments.
- Ensures timely completion of tasks.
- Does not procrastinate when there is a job to be done.
- Avoids procrastination.
- Consistently stays motivated to perform at a high level and inspires the department to do the same.
- Works quickly to get the job done.
Responsibility
- Takes responsibility for actions.
- Sets high standards for themselves and others.
- Approves purchase requests in a timely manner.
- Conducts critical-incident review immediately after the event.
Employee Opinion Survey Items
Action skills enable managers to proactively navigate challenges, make decisive decisions, and drive meaningful progress within their teams and organizations. By fostering initiative, accountability, and efficiency, managers ensure that tasks are completed with precision while maintaining momentum in achieving strategic goals. These skills empower managers to anticipate obstacles, delegate effectively, and inspire employees to take ownership of their work, creating a culture of resilience and continuous improvement. When managers embrace action, they strengthen adaptability, enhance problem-solving, and cultivate an environment where innovation and results thrive.
ProactiveProactive behavior is centered around anticipating future events--whether challenges or opportunities--and taking early action to shape outcomes positively. It involves steps like identifying potential issues before they arise, preparing for project launches in advance, or implementing solutions based on emerging trends rather than current problems. Being proactive is about readiness and initiative, aiming to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve conditions or performance before a reactive response becomes necessary.
- My manager prevents small issues from becoming critical incidents.
- The supervisor takes corrective action when necessary.
- Employees at the company are proactive rather than reactive in work.
- My manager is proactive in addressing the needs of the department.
- I know how to take proactive steps to address potential issues before they become a problem.
- My team leader uses strategies to stay ahead of potential challenges at work.
- My team takes steps to prepare for the start of the project.
- Our department identifies opportunities for improvement before there is a problem.
- Our department fixes small issues before they become critical incidents.
- Senior executives are proactive in developing solutions to problems.
PreemptivePreemptive is more focused on prevention; taking decisive action to avert specific risks or disruptions before they materialize. This could look like performing preventative maintenance, preparing equipment before a shift, or implementing safety measures ahead of anticipated incidents. Preemptive behavior is typically more narrowly targeted, acting in response to identified threats or foreseeable issues. Itâs about neutralizing risk before it can interfere with progress. While proactive actions seek to optimize, preemptive ones are designed to protect.
- The team leader prepares equipment at the start of the shift.
- Our manager takes preemptive actions avoid obstacles or delays.
- The project lead conducts preventative maintenance on the equipment.
- Our department anticipates needs and takes pre-emptive action to address an issue.
- My team anticipates critical incidents in the department and takes steps to mitigate their effect.
AmbitiousAmbitious focuses on pursuing advancement, growth, and high-impact outcomes. Itâs driven by a desire to exceed expectations, seize opportunities, and actively seek ways to contribute beyond the status quo. This dimension reflects forward momentum and goal-oriented energyâambitious individuals initiate action and strive for excellence, often juggling complex tasks while aiming for broader influence.
- Senior executives create opportunities and then take advantage of them.
- The project manager displays high energy and enthusiasm on consistent basis.
- Employees in my department initiate actions to get things done.
- Employees in my department seek out opportunities to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
- Senior executives take action when opportunities arise.
- My team stays focused and productive when there's work to be done.
- My coworkers are ambitious when working on a project.
- My manager handles multiple complex issues simultaneously.
- My manager exhibits personal ambition and drive but not at expense of others.
- My supervisor is driven to complete a high amount of work.
- Colleagues exhibit personal ambition and drive.
InitiativeInitiative focuses on taking independent action to address issues or seize opportunities without waiting to be prompted. It reflects a readiness to actâspotting problems early, launching new projects, volunteering first, and stepping up when something needs doing. The emphasis is on responsiveness and self-starting behavior, often in service of preventing delays or driving progress forward from the ground level.
- My manager initiates projects or tasks that have a positive impact on the team.
- Coworkers fix problems when they occur.
- My manager takes charge without being asked.
- The project manager decides to act rather than remain passive.
- Coworkers take the initiative to address problems sooner rather than later.
- Colleagues will take action to address a problem rather than to wait to confer with others about the situation.
- Our manager takes advantage of changes to the current situation.
- My team leader is the first to volunteer for assignments.
- Colleagues identify needs and take steps to address them.
- Leaders take the initiative and do not wait for the situation to change.
TenaciousTenacious, by contrast, emphasizes perseverance and resilience in the face of difficulty or setbacks. It's about staying committed when progress slows, navigating obstacles with determination, and maintaining focus despite adversity. Tenacity reflects an unshakable resolve.
- Our team adapts approach to overcome significant obstacles.
- Employees demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
- Our manager focuses on tasks without being distracted.
- Employees in my department make progress despite repeated failures or setbacks at work.
- The project lead persists in work despite obstacles encountered.
- My supervisor completes challenging projects successfully despite setbacks.
- Associates pursue goals with action to achieve success.
- The project manager stays committed to goals even when progress is slow.
- Coworkers overcome obstacles that may impede progress on a task.
- My department completes tasks despite obstacles encountered.
DecisiveDecisive focuses on making confident, timely choices and taking ownership of those decisions, especially under pressure. It reflects a readiness to act without hesitation, overcoming âanalysis paralysis,â and committing to a course of action even in uncertain or high-stakes environments. The emphasis is on individual conviction and direct actionâleaders or team members stepping up, owning the outcome, and moving initiatives forward through personal resolve.
- My manager makes effective decisions, even when under pressure.
- Employees make decisions confidently and stand by them.
- Associates are not afraid to take corrective action when necessary.
- Managers are decisive when making decisions.
- Team members are not afraid to take action when necessary.
- The project leader avoids "analysis paralysis" through action.
- The project leader takes action when necessary.
- The project leader makes decisions
Goes Above and BeyondGoes Above and Beyond emphasizes exceeding expectations and contributing beyond what's formally required. This includes seeking personal growth, supporting others' success, embracing added responsibilities, and striving for collective excellence. The emphasis here is on exceptional commitment and contribution, doing more than what's asked to elevate outcomes for the team or organization.
- The project manager accepts new challenges and works on them with urgency.
- Leaders motivate others to achieve or exceed goals.
- My supervisor motivates and supports others to gain skills.
- Employees in my department seek new opportunities for advancement.
- Coworkers in my department encourage and support a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the department.
- Coworkers in my department seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
- Colleagues take on additional responsibilities outside of the job description to help the team succeed.
- The project leader looks for extra ways to help the department achieve performance goals.
- My division motivates us to achieve or exceed professional goals.
DelegatesDelegates emphasizes the strategic distribution of authority and responsibility to others. It involves assigning tasks based on strengths, empowering the team to act independently, and ensuring alignment with broader goals. The focus is on leveraging collective capacity--ensuring the right people are doing the right things to drive progress through coordination, not just individual initiative.
- Our manager identifies the right person for a job when distributing tasks.
- The project manager drives and mobilizes others progress toward goals.
- My manager delegates decision-making authority to team members.
- My manager delegates tasks and assignments to subordinates as soon as a request has been made.
- The project manager determines the best person for a specific task within the team.
- My supervisor ensures that the team's tasks align with its overall objectives.
- My team leader assigns tasks to individuals who are most able to perform them.
- My supervisor works with others to ensure tasks are completed.
- Our team assigns tasks to team members based on their strengths.
- My manager establishes the tasks and direction for the team.
ResourcefulResourceful focuses on strategically navigating systems, relationships, and constraints to achieve results. It's about creatively leveraging what's available--people, tools, knowledge, or organizational structure--to push work forward, often in complex environments. Being resourceful emphasizes initiative, ingenuity, and long-term effectiveness, especially when pursuing ambitious goals across boundaries.
- My manager converts plans into actions.
- Employees in my department work across organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
- The project leader leverages skills and resources to exceed expectations on projects.
- Associates work effectively within the organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
- Leaders take advantage of opportunities to move the organization forward.
- My manager creates performance measures to ensure action by the department.
- Team members navigate organizational structure and boundaries to achieve goals.
- The project manager leverages skills and resources to exceed performance expectations.
ResponsiveResponsive, by contrast, emphasizes swift, situation-driven action, especially when something unexpected or urgent arises. It's characterized by quick thinking, flexibility, and stepping in immediately to resolve issues - be it a safety concern, a dissatisfied customer, or a sudden change. It's centered on timely reaction and adaptability, ensuring that needs are met and problems are addressed without delay.
- My team leader is willing to change course to meet the needs of a new situation.
- The project leader takes action in critical situations.
- Coworkers in my department develop alternatives and solutions when presented with a problem or issue.
- My division adapts to changes in the situation.
- Managers address performance issues quickly.
- Associates address safety issues immediately.
- My manager takes action to respond to a dissatisfied customer.
- Supervisors act immediately instead of waiting for someone else to solve the issue.
Results OrientedResults Oriented focuses on delivering outcomes and achieving goals, regardless of pace or conditions. It reflects a commitment to success, accountability, innovation, and completion - teams do "whatever it takes" to meet objectives, even if that means enduring delays, solving complex problems, or navigating around obstacles. The emphasis is on impact and follow-through, with urgency used strategically to support desired results rather than for its own sake.
- My team takes responsibility for meeting performance standards.
- Our department completes tasks on time in spite of delays in the process.
- The project lead moves forward on important projects.
- Our manager undertakes actions to achieve specific goals.
- My team creates innovative products and services.
- Our team does what it takes to get the job done.
- Senior executives do whatever it takes (within reason) to get the job done.
- My manager gets the job done.
Fast PacedFast Paced emphasizes speed, momentum, and sustained energy in day-to-day execution. It values quick response times, avoidance of procrastination, and a consistent sense of urgency. This mindset drives productivity through efficiency and immediate action, ensuring teams stay agile, responsive, and energized - even under pressure or while tackling complex issues.
- My team stays motivated to perform at a high level and inspires the department to do the same.
- My team leader acts quickly to create innovative products and services.
- My supervisor works at a quick pace.
- My team leader works quickly to get the job done.
- Colleagues ensure timely completion of tasks.
- My supervisor does not procrastinate when there is a job to be done.
- Employees in my department avoid procrastination.
- The members of my team work quickly when faced with difficult problems.
- I can maintain a sense of urgency in daily work routines.
- Employees in my department start immediately working on assignments.
Responsibility
- Supervisors set high standards for themselves and others.
- My manager conducts critical-incident review immediately after the event.
- My supervisor approves purchase requests in a timely manner.
- Associates take responsibility for actions.
Self-Assessment Items
ProactiveProactive focuses on actively taking steps to address potential issues and opportunities before they escalate or arise. This dimension emphasizes identifying areas for improvement, developing solutions ahead of time, and using strategies to prevent small problems from becoming critical incidents. It reflects a mindset of staying ahead of challenges by preparing for and addressing foreseeable needs within a broader scope.
- I prevent small issues from becoming critical incidents.
- I take proactive steps to address potential issues before they become a problem.
- I fix small issues before they become critical incidents.
- I take steps to prepare for the start of the project.
- I am proactive rather than reactive in work.
- You take corrective action when necessary.
- I am proactive in addressing the needs of the department.
- I am proactive in developing solutions to problems.
- I use strategies to stay ahead of potential challenges at work.
- You identify opportunities for improvement before there is a problem.
PreemptivePreemptive highlights anticipating specific critical incidents and taking targeted actions to mitigate their impact or prevent them entirely. It is more narrowly focused on immediate preparation and preventative maintenance, such as anticipating needs, preparing equipment, or taking action to avoid obstacles and delays. This dimension reflects a readiness to deal with potential threats to ensure continuity and efficiency.
- You prepare equipment at the start of the shift.
- I anticipate needs and take pre-emptive action to address the issue.
- You regularly conduct preventative maintenance on the equipment.
- I take preemptive actions avoid obstacles or delays.
- You anticipate critical incidents in the department and take steps to mitigate their effect.
AmbitiousAmbitious emphasizes drive, energy, and a desire to achieve beyond expectations. It reflects a proactive mindset aimed at excelling and creating opportunities to contribute at a high level. This dimension includes a focus on sustained enthusiasm, handling complex tasks, and seeking to exceed responsibilities while maintaining personal ambition. It is strongly tied to the individual's intrinsic motivation and aspiration to excel and produce exceptional outcomes.
- You display high energy and enthusiasm on consistent basis.
- I am ambitious when working on the project.
- I seek out opportunities to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
- You are driven to complete a high amount of work.
- I take action when opportunities arise.
- I stay focused and productive when there is work to be done.
- I effectively handle multiple complex issues simultaneously.
- I create opportunities and then take advantage of them.
- I initiate actions to get things done.
- You exhibit personal ambition and drive but not at expense of others.
- You exhibit personal ambition and drive.
InitiativeInitiative highlights the willingness to take the first step or act independently to address needs or challenges. It is rooted in decisiveness and the ability to respond to situations proactively without waiting for external direction. This dimension emphasizes quick action, problem-solving, and being the first to take charge or adapt to changes in the environment, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.
- I take charge without being asked.
- I am the first to volunteer for assignments.
- I identify needs and take steps to address them.
- You will take action to address a problem rather than to wait to confer with others about the situation.
- You fixe problems when they occur.
- You decide to act rather than remain passive.
- I take the initiative to address problems sooner rather than later.
- I take the initiative and do not wait for the situation to change.
- I initiate projects or tasks that have a positive impact on the team.
- I take advantage of changes to the current situation.
TenaciousTenacious emphasizes resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. It highlights the ability to stay committed to goals despite obstacles, setbacks, or slow progress. This dimension centers on overcoming adversity, adapting approaches, and maintaining focus to ensure success even when circumstances are difficult. It reflects a determined and relentless drive to achieve objectives no matter the barriers encountered.
- I pursue goals with action to achieve success.
- You demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
- You adapt your approach in order to overcome significant obstacles.
- You successfully make progress despite repeated failures or setbacks at work.
- I persist in work despite obstacles encountered.
- I focus on tasks without being distracted.
- I persist in work despite obstacles encountered.
- I overcome obstacles that may impede progress on a task.
- I complete challenging projects successfully despite setbacks.
- You stay committed to my goals even when progress is slow.
DecisiveDecisive emphasizes making confident and effective decisions. It centers on taking swift and clear action, especially under pressure, avoiding "analysis paralysis," and confidently standing by choices. This dimension focuses on the individual's ability to assess situations, take corrective measures when needed, and act decisively to resolve issues or advance objectives.
- You make effective decisions
- You make effective decisions, even when under pressure.
- You are not afraid to take corrective action when necessary.
- I make decisions confidently and stand by them.
- I take action when necessary.
- I avoid "Analysis Paralysis" through action.
- I am decisive when making decisions.
- I am not afraid to take action when necessary.
Goes Above and BeyondGoes Above and Beyond focuses on exceeding expectations and contributing beyond assigned responsibilities. It is about proactively taking on additional challenges, supporting others, and seeking opportunities for advancement and self-improvement. This dimension reflects a culture of excellence, where individuals not only fulfill their roles but actively look for ways to elevate the team's success and continuously improve themselves.
- You motivate & supports others to gain skills
- I take on additional responsibilities outside of my job description to help the team succeed.
- You look for extra ways to help the department achieve performance goals.
- I gladly accept new challenges and work on them with urgency.
- I encourage and support a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the department.
- I seek new opportunities for advancement.
- You motivate others to achieve or exceed goals
- You motivate others to achieve or exceed professional goals
- You seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
DelegatesDelegates emphasizes empowering and mobilizing others to achieve goals. It involves assigning tasks based on team members' strengths, determining the right person for specific responsibilities, and ensuring alignment with overall objectives. This dimension highlights distributing work effectively, establishing direction, and working collaboratively to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
- You drive and mobilizes others progress toward goals.
- I assign tasks to team members based on their strengths.
- I determine the best person for a specific task within the team.
- I establish the tasks and direction for the team.
- You assign tasks to individuals who are most able to perform them.
- I delegate decision-making authority to team members.
- You delegate tasks and assignments to subordinates as soon as a request is made.
- You successfully identify the right person for a job when distributing tasks.
- I ensure that the team's tasks align with its overall objectives.
- You work with others to ensure tasks are completed.
ResourcefulResourceful highlights the strategic use of skills, resources, and systems to achieve goals. It involves navigating organizational structures, leveraging opportunities, and working across boundaries to convert plans into actions and exceed expectations. This dimension reflects a long-term, thoughtful approach where individuals optimize existing tools and strategies to accomplish objectives efficiently and effectively.
- I convert plans into actions.
- I create performance measures to ensure action by the department.
- I leverage skills and resources to exceed performance expectations.
- You take advantage of opportunities to move the organization forward.
- You work across organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
- I navigate organizational structures and boundaries to achieve goals.
- I leverage skills and resources to exceed expectations on projects.
- You work effectively within the organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
ResponsiveResponsive emphasizes quick action and adaptability in the face of immediate needs or situations. It focuses on addressing critical issues promptly, developing alternatives swiftly, and making necessary adjustments to meet evolving circumstances. This dimension demonstrates a readiness to act decisively in urgent situations, ensuring problems are addressed without delay.
- I take action in critical situations.
- You address safety issues immediately.
- You address performance issues quickly.
- I take action to respond to dissatisfied customers.
- I immediately develop alternatives and solutions when presented with a problem or issue.
- I rapidly adapt to changes in the situation.
- I act immediately instead of waiting for someone else to solve the issue.
- You change course to meet the needs of a new situation.
Results OrientedResults Oriented focuses on achieving goals and delivering tangible outcomes, regardless of challenges or delays. This dimension emphasizes determination, accountability, and a commitment to completing projects successfully, often demonstrating perseverance and adaptability. Individuals who are results oriented prioritize moving forward on important projects and ensuring high-quality outcomes while taking full responsibility for meeting performance standards.
- You do whatever it takes (within reason) to get the job done.
- You get the job done.
- I take responsibility for meeting performance standards.
- I move forward on important projects.
- I complete tasks on time in spite of delays in the process.
- I create innovative products and services.
- You undertake actions to achieve specific goals.
- You do what it takes to get the job done.
Fast PacedFast Paced emphasizes speed and urgency in task execution. This dimension centers on working quickly and efficiently, avoiding procrastination, and immediately addressing assignments or challenges. It highlights the ability to act swiftly in dynamic environments, maintain momentum, and inspire a sense of urgency in others to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
- You work quickly when faced with difficult problems.
- You start immediately working on assignments.
- You ensure timely completion of tasks.
- I consistently stay motivated to perform at a high level and inspires the department to do the same.
- I act quickly to create innovative products and services.
- I do not procrastinate when there is a job to be done.
- You work at a quick pace.
- You work quickly to get the job done.
- I maintain a sense of urgency in daily work routines.
- You avoid procrastinating.
Responsibility
- You set high standards for yourself and others.
- I take responsibility for actions.
- You approve purchase requests in a timely manner.
- I conduct critical-incident reviews immediately after the event.
Job Interview Questions
Proactive
- Explain how you stay informed about industry trends and how that information helps you take proactive steps.
- Share examples of how you were proactive in developing solutions to problems.
- How do you take steps to prepare for the start of a new project?
- Explain how you would prevent small issues from becoming critical incidents.
- What strategies do you use to stay ahead of potential challenges in your work?
- Describe how you set up regular check-ins or follow-ups to prevent issues from escalating.
- How do you prioritize tasks to address urgent needs while still planning for the future?
- Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
- Are you proactive in addressing the needs of the department?
- Describe a situation where you took proactive steps to address a potential issue before it became a problem.
- Can you provide an example of how you identified an opportunity for improvement before it became a problem?
- How do you ensure you stay proactive rather than reactive in your work?
- Give examples from your former position of when you took corrective action when necessary.
Preemptive
- How do you anticipate critical incidents in the department and takes steps to mitigate their effect?
- Explain how you would prepare equipment at the start of the shift.
- How do you anticipate critical incidents in the department and takes steps to mitigate their effect?
- Do you regularly conduct preventative maintenance on the equipment? Explain.
- Do you take preemptive actions avoid obstacles or delays?
- Do you regularly conduct preventative maintenance on the equipment? Explain.
- How would you anticipate needs and take pre-emptive action to address the issue?
- Explain how you would prepare equipment at the start of the shift.
- Do you take preemptive actions avoid obstacles or delays?
- How would you anticipate needs and take pre-emptive action to address the issue?
Ambitious
- Describe how you seek out opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned responsibilities.
- Give examples of how you would creates opportunities and then takes advantage of them.
- Describe how you are ambitious when working on a project.
- How do you display high energy and enthusiasm on consistent basis?
- Give examples of how you exhibit personal ambition and drive.
- Would others describe you as "driven to complete a high amount of work"?
- Give examples of when you take action when opportunities arise.
- In your former job, how did you initiate actions to get things done?
- How do you handle multiple complex issues simultaneously?
- How do you stay focused and productive when there's work to be done?
Initiative
- Do you take the initiative and does not wait for the situation to change?
- How do you identify and seize time-sensitive opportunities that arise from changes in your current situation?
- Give examples of when you decided to act rather than remain passive.
- Explain how you handle tasks that require immediate action versus those that can wait.
- Describe a situation where you took charge without being asked.
- Share an instance where you identified a need and took steps to address it on your own.
- Give examples of when you took action to address a problem rather than to wait to confer with others about the situation.
- Provide an example of when you initiated a project or task that had a positive impact on your team or organization.
- Do you take the initiative to address problems sooner rather than later?
- When volunteers are needed, are you the first to volunteer for assignments?
Tenacious
- Provide an example of when you demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
- Can you provide an example of a challenging project you completed successfully despite setbacks?
- Describe a time when you had to make an unpopular decision and how you gained support for it.
- How do you overcome obstacles that may impede progress on a task?
- Give examples of when you persisted in work despite obstacles encountered.
- Are you able to complete tasks despite obstacles encountered? Give examples.
- Describe how you would pursue goals with action to achieve success.
- How do you maintain motivation and perseverance when faced with difficult tasks?
- Explain how you handle repeated failures or setbacks in your work.
- How do you ensure that you stay committed to your goals even when progress is slow?
- Share an instance where your determination led to a successful outcome.
- How do you focus on tasks without being distracted?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt your approach to overcome a significant obstacle.
Decisive
- Can you provide an example of when you made a controversial decision and how you managed any pushback?
- Give examples of when you were not afraid to take action when necessary.
- Do you make decisions confidently and stand by them.
- How do you weigh the pros and cons when making a difficult decision?
- How do you avoids "Analysis Paralysis"?
- As a supervisor, did you take corrective action when necessary? Give examples.
- Are you decisive when making decisions?
- Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision with limited information. How did you handle it?
- How do you make effective decisions, even when under pressure?
- How do you effectively make decisions?
Goes Above and Beyond
- Can you provide an example of when you went above and beyond your regular duties?
- How do you seek new opportunities for advancement?
- Describe a situation in which you motivated others to achieve or exceed professional goals.
- How do you encourage and support a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within your team?
- Give an example of when you motivated others to achieve or exceed goals.
- How do you look for extra ways to help the department achieve performance goals?
- When did you seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development?
- When did you motivate and support others to gain skills?
- Describe a time when you took on additional responsibilities outside of your job description to help your team succeed.
- Give examples of when you accepted new challenges and worked on them with urgency.
Delegates
- Some individuals are just better at performing certain tasks. How do you assigns tasks to individuals?
- How do you identify the right person for a job when distributing tasks?
- How do you establish the tasks and direction for the team?
- What steps do you take to assign tasks and provide clear direction to your team?
- What criteria do you use to match individuals with the tasks they are most suited for?
- Describe a time when you had to delegate a task. How did you choose the right person for it?
- How do you drive and mobilize others to complete progress on goals?
- How do you determine the best person for a specific task within your team?
- Can you describe your process for assigning tasks to team members based on their strengths?
- How do you delegate decision-making authority to your team members?
- How do you ensure that the team's tasks align with its overall objectives?
- Do you delegates tasks and assignments to subordinates as soon as a request has been made? Give examples.
- Give examples of when you worked with others to ensure tasks were completed.
Resourcefull
- Give examples of how you would take advantage of opportunities to move the organization forward.
- Provide an example of when you leveraged your skills and resources to exceed expectations on a project.
- How do you navigate organizational structures and boundaries to achieve your goals?
- Explain how you would work across organizational lines and boundaries to attain goals.
- How do you convert plans into actions?
- How would you creates performance measures to ensure action by the department?
Responsive
- How would you address safety issues immediately?
- Give an example from you previous role in which you changed course to meet the needs of a new situation.
- Describe instances in which you acted immediately instead of waiting for someone else to solve the issue.
- How do you address performance issues quickly?
- How would you take action in critical situations? Give examples.
- Provide an example of when you had to change a decision and how you communicated it to your team.
- Share examples in which you rapidly adapted procedures to address changes in a situation.
- How would you develop alternatives and solutions when presented with a problem or issue?
- How would you take action to respond to dissatisfied customer?
Results Oriented
- Can you provide an example of when you initiated a project that had a significant positive impact on your department?
- Do you take responsibility for meeting performance standards?
- Are you someone who does what it takes to get the job done?
- Describe how you moves forward on important projects.
- What actions do you undertake to achieve specific goals?
- Do you create innovative products and services? Explain more.
- How do you ensure your decisions align with the organization's goals and values?
- Do you get the job done?
- Would your coworkers describe you as someone who does whatever it takes (within reason) to get the job done?
- Give examples of when you completed tasks on time in spite of delays in the process.
Fast Paced
- Works at a quick pace.
- What strategies do you use to avoid procrastination?
- Starts immediately working on assignments.
- Are you someone who does not procrastinate when there is a job to be done?
- Can you provide examples of how you manage your time effectively to meet deadlines?
- Can you describe your approach to handling deadlines?
- How do you maintain a sense of urgency in your daily work routine?
- Do you acts quickly to create innovative products and services? Tells us more about it.
- Works quickly to get the job done.
- How do you ensure timely completion of tasks?
- How do you stay motivated to consistently perform at a high level and inspire your team to do the same?
- Works quickly when faced with difficult problems.
Responsibility
- Do you take responsibility for actions? Give examples.
- How do you conduct critical-incident reviews?
- Explain how you handle making a decision that impacts multiple departments or teams.
- Do you approve purchase requests in a timely manner?
- Do you conduct critical-incident reviews immediately after the event?
- Describe how you set standards for yourself and others.
In Summary:
Action gives managers the ability to proactively tackle challenges, take decisive initiative, and drive meaningful results that foster a high-performance, continuously improving work culture. It enables them to navigate obstacles with resourcefulness, ambition, and tenacity while ensuring responsiveness to emerging issues and preemptively addressing potential risks. Through strategic delegation, accountability, and efficiency, managers empower teams, optimize workflows, and execute plans that advance organizational success.