300 Questionnaire Items Measuring Initiative

Definition: Initiative is the ability to take appropriate actions and work proactively, often independently, and motivated by a desire to perform above expectations without being prompted by others to do so. Someone with initiative is a self-starter who independently takes advantage of opportunities and is motivated with a tenacious work ethic to be impactful.

Initiative in the workplace is a key driver for success and involves several components that enable individuals to act proactively and make significant contributions. Here are some examples of initiative at work:

Self-Starter Doing work without being told to do so. Does not wait to be told to do something.
Proactive Works quickly to prevent problems from occurring.
Forward-Thinking Anticipates needs and prepares for unexpected events.
Motivated Takes immediate action to implement changes or solve problems.
Opportunistic Seizes and capitalizes on opportunities when they become available.
Works Independently Is able to work on their own without close supervision.
Above Expectations Works above expected performance levels. Volunteers for assignments and may put in extra hours.
Rises to the Occasion Acts with urgency when time is limited. Takes charge in a crisis.

A person with initiative is one who is proactive and willing/eager to take on responsibilities contribute to the success and continuous improvement of the department/organization.

360-Degree Feedback Questionnaires Measuring Initiative:
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)

360-Degree Feedback Questionnaire Items

The Initiative competency in a 360-Degree Feedback assessment includes items measuring the ability to do work without being told to do so, to be proactive in addressing problems, to seize opportunities when they arise, to work independently and above expectations.

Self-Starter

Takes the initiative to change the direction or course of events.
When working on a problem in a team, they are often the first to suggest possible solutions.
Independently seeks out new learning opportunities to improve their skills.
Initiates the development of new products.
Analyzes the needs of the situation and acts before being told to do so.
Is a self-starter. Does not wait to be told to do something.
Able to initiate work on projects independently without direct supervision.
Looks to start work on new projects without waiting for direction from the manager.
Inclined to initiate action rather than react.

Proactive

Acts quickly to address any issues or problems.
Acts quickly when a small problem arises to keep it from becoming a major issue.
Is proactive when preparing for potential problems or critical events.
Is proactive and gets things done.
Addresses small problems before they become big ones.
Actively works on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself.
Begins immediate action on projects.
Takes action to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed.

Opportunistic

Seeks and utilizes opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
Capitalizes on opportunities as they become available.
Acts quickly when an opportunity becomes available.
Seizes upon opportunities available.
Takes advantage of opportunities when they become available.
Seizes upon chances to improve the department's prospects.
Looks for opportunities to move projects forward.

Working Independently

Takes action without being asked.
Acts on own initiative to improve the department outcomes.
Does things without being told.
Confronts problems immediately without supervisor instructions.
Acts independently to solve pressing needs.
Completes tasks without having to be told to do so.
Does the right thing without being told.

Forward-Thinking

Prepares for unexpected contingencies.
Anticipates what needs to be done and makes necessary preparations.
Anticipates problems and initiates plans to address them.

Motivated

Immediately works to complete goals well before their deadline.
Gladly seeks additional responsibilities.
Takes action to implement new changes in the policies and procedures.
Cleans the workspace without being told.
Initiates new projects for the department.
Creates solutions to problems as soon as an incident occurs.
Updates the documentation as soon as the situation changes.

Impactful

Takes decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve.
Helps the department take the initiative to create new solutions.
Initiates actions that impact the department/company.
Encourages others on the team to suggest process improvements.
Initiates projects that have an impact on the department.

Above Expectations

Goes above and beyond the stated goals.
Volunteers time and effort toward the completion of important goals.
Guides strategic initiatives to advance the department/organization.
Expands the offerings of the department by working evenings and weekends.
Takes on extra projects after required work is completed.
Takes on additional tasks without being asked or told to do so.
Inspires others to perform above expectations.
Is an inspiration for others to perform above expectations.
Aims to achieve more than what is expected or required.

Persistent or Tenacious

Takes the initiative to complete tasks ahead of schedule.
Will continue to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles.
Initiates draft reports for consideration.
Bends rules when necessary to accomplish tasks.
Bends rules when necessary to achieve goals.

Rises to the Occasion

Takes corrective action to address performance deficiencies/issues.
Immediately works on solving problems.
Takes corrective action to rectify issues.
Acts with urgency when time is limited.
Takes charge when there is a crisis.
Acts with urgency when time is of the essence.
Takes the initiative to solve pressing issues.

Initiative in Relationships

Coach others to foster an environment which can adapt quickly and willingly to rapid change.
Quickly comes to the aid of those who may need help.
Builds strong interpersonal relationships upon first meeting.
Immediately informs the HR Department of any personnel complaints or issues.
Immediately informs the supervisor of any critical incidents.
Informs the manager of any important changes in the equipment operation.
Initiates important conversation topics at meetings.
Initiates draft documents for the director.
Engages with new customers immediately.

Employee Opinion Survey Items

Employee Survey Questionnaires Measuring Initiative:
Example 1 (5-point scale; numbers; NA)
Example 2 (7-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 3 (4-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 5 (5-point scale; words)
Example 6 (Pulse Survey)
Example 7 (5-point scale; item comments)
Example 8 (3-point scale; words; N/A)
Example 9 (4-point scale; numbers)
Example 10 (Comment boxes only)
Example 11 (Single rating per dimension)
Example 12 (Slide-bar scale)

Individuals with high Initiative are catalysts for positive change in the organization, driving a business forward through their actions and mindset. Being a proactive and opportunistic self-starter enables you to achieve higher levels of performance.

None

Employees in our department are willing to take action without waiting to be told to do so.

The Company

The Company seeks to take advantage of opportunities
The Company takes the initiative to lead by example

My Empowerment

I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things
I am allowed to take initiative to assess my skills and seek appropriate training

Empowering Others

Employee initiatives to develop the Company are encouraged

My Supervisor

My Supervisor capitalizes on opportunities to grow the business
My supervisor encourages initiative.
My manager encourages initiative.
My Supervisor encourages me to take initiative in my job

Leadership

Leadership at the Company encourages initiative and risk taking
Senior Management at Company encourages initiative.

My Department

My Department is able to develop unique solutions to problems and issues

Self-Assessment Items

Self-Starter

You take the initiative to change the direction or course of events.
You independently seek out new learning opportunities to improve your skills.
I look to start work on new projects without waiting for direction from the manager.
You are a self-starter. You do not wait to be told to do something.
I am able to initiate work on projects independently without direct supervision.
I analyze the needs of the situation and act before being told to do so.
I initiate the development of new products.
When working on a problem in a team, I often am the first to suggest possible solutions.
You are inclined to initiate action rather than react.

Proactive

I begin immediate action on projects.
You are proactive when preparing for potential problems or critical events.
I address small problems before they become big ones.
You act quickly to address any issues or problems.
I am proactive and get things done.
You take action to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed.
You actively work on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself.
I act quickly when a small problem arises to keep it from becoming a major issue.

Opportunistic

You seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
I capitalize on opportunities as they become available.
You act quickly when an opportunity becomes available.
I look for opportunities to move projects forward.
You seize upon opportunities available.
I seize upon chances to improve the department's prospects.
I take advantage of opportunities when they become available.

Working Independently

You take action without being asked.
I do things without being told.
You do the right thing without being told.
I act independently to solve pressing needs.
You act on own initiative to improve the department outcomes.
You complete tasks without having to be told to do so.
You confront problems immediately without supervisor instructions.

Forward-Thinking

You prepare for unexpected contingencies.
I anticipate problems and initiate plans to address them.
You anticipate what needs to be done and makes necessary preparations.

Motivated

You immediately work to complete goals well before your deadline.
I take action to implement new changes in the policies and procedures.
I update the documentation as soon as the situation changes.
I create solutions to problems as soon as an incident occurs.
You initiate new projects for the department.
I gladly seek additional responsibilities.
I clean the workspace without being told.

Impactful

You take decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve.
You initiate actions that impact the department/company.
I encourage others on the team to suggest process improvements.
You help the department take the initiative to create new solutions.
I initiate projects that have an impact on the department.

Above Expectations

You go above and beyond the stated goals.
I take on additional tasks without being asked or told to do so.
You guide strategic initiatives to advance the department/organization.
You are an inspiration for others to perform above expectations.
You take on extra projects after required work is completed.
I expand the offerings of the department by working evenings and weekends.
You volunteer your time and effort toward the completion of important goals.
I inspire others to perform above expectations.
You aim to achieve more than what is expected or required.

Persistent or Tenacious

I initiate draft reports for consideration.
You take the initiative to complete tasks ahead of schedule.
I will continue to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles.
You bend rules when necessary to achieve goals.
You bend rules when necessary to accomplish tasks.

Rises to the Occasion

You take corrective action to address performance deficiencies/issues.
I take charge when there is a crisis.
I immediately work on solving problems.
You act with urgency when time is limited.
I take the initiative to solve pressing issues.
I act with urgency when time is of the essence.
I take corrective action to rectify issues.

Initiative in Relationships

You coach others to foster an environment which can adapt quickly and willingly to rapid change.
I build strong interpersonal relationships upon first meeting.
I initiate important conversation topics at meetings.
You initiate draft documents for the director.
You immediately inform the supervisor of any critical incidents.
You immediately inform the HR Department of any personnel complaints or issues.
You engage with new customers immediately.
I inform the manager of any important changes in the equipment operation.
You quickly come to the aid of those who may need help.

Job Application

Past

Have you ever accomplished something you did not think you could?
What are some of your recent accomplishments in your current job?
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
What are some examples of important recommendations or decisions you've made recently?
What have been your greatest disappointments?
What have been the most memorable accomplishments of your career?
What was the job's biggest challenge?
What is your proudest accomplishment?
What initiatives have you undertake recently?
What difficult problems have you worked through?
What were your most memorable accomplishments with your last employer?
What have been your greatest accomplishments?
What is the most important accomplishment in your life?
How have you shown initiative?
Tell me about accomplishments of which you are the most proud.
What is the most challenging thing you have ever done?
Tell me about a time when you went beyond the call of duty.
What challenging accomplishments have you had?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
What was your greatest disappointment?
What was your greatest accomplishment?
What is the most difficult task you have undertaken?
What is your most significant accomplishment?
What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
Have you ever accomplished something difficult?
Do you have initiative?
Tell me what initiatives have you undertaken recently?
What are your major accomplishments? Your failures? Your disappointments?
What do you consider to be your most important accomplishment and why?
What challenging experiences have you had?
Do you have accomplishments you are proud of?
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Your greatest disappointment?
Do you enjoy working on difficult projects?
How have you shown willingness to work?
What is the most stimulating thing you are looking for in a job?
What have been your biggest accomplishments?
What was your most significant accomplishment in your last position?
What was the most/least challenging part of the job?
What difficult challenges have you solved?
What are the five biggest accomplishments of your life?

Future

What kinds of risks do you face when implementing a new initiative?
Describe how you can take risks to accomplish tasks.
What risks have you undertaken recently?
Describe a significant risk you took to accomplish a task.
What risks did you take at your previous job?
Are you willing to take risks?

Motivations

How important are promotions and advancement to you?
What do you get out of completing difficult tasks?
Do you enjoy challenges at work? If so, what kinds of challenges have you recently faced.
What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
Are you a competitive person?
What are your motivations?
Describe when you felt motivated to do your very best work and did.
What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
Do you feel motivated to work harder?
Have you received any recognition for significant accomplishments at work?
What has your last employer done that motivated you to work harder?
Were there any special difficulties you overcame in achieving these accomplishments?
What motivates you?
How important is challenge to you?
When do you put forth your greatest effort?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
What makes you put forth your greatest effort?
Do you work to achieve your objectives? If so, describe how hard.
What kinds of responsibilities are important to you in your work?
What motivates you in a job and in your personal life?
How important is responsibility to you?
What challenges are you looking for in a job?
What motivates you in accomplishing difficult tasks?
Would you describe yourself as motivated more by your goals or by money?
How important is recognition to you?
Does competition increase your desire to succeed?
What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?
Is recognition important to you?
What motivates you to be successful in your job?
Do you feel motivated in your current job?
Are you a self starter?
Describe two things that motivate you at work?

Sense of Self

Would you rate yourself as an overachiever?
Describe situations in which you are most successful.
To what do you attribute your success?
What projects have you recently completed successfully?
Would you define yourself as a self-starter?
How would you describe your standards of performance?
How have your successes benefited your previous employer?
What is your definition of success.
Describe what success means to you.
What are some of the reasons for your success?
How would you evaluate success?
Are you successful in completing projects at work?
Do you generally think of yourself as a risk-taker or someone who plays it safe?
Do you feel you have been successful in your job?
Tell me about your recent successes.
What does 'success' mean to you?
What do you think has contributed most to your success so far?
What does 'failure' mean to you?
Why are you better than your co-workers?
How do you define 'success?'
Why are you successful?
How do you determine if you are successful?

Weaknesses

Do you achieve all of the goals you set? If not, why not?
What weaknesses have you overcome when accomplishing difficult tasks?
How could you have improved your progress?