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300 Questionnaire Items Measuring Initiative

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.

Initiative skills contribute to a manager's success by enabling them to lead with autonomy, foresight, and strategic impact. This enables them to launch projects without waiting for direction, anticipate challenges before they arise, and act decisively to remove obstacles and drive progress. These skills empower managers to seize opportunities, adapt plans in response to shifting conditions, and champion solutions that align with organizational goals. By consistently exceeding expectations, motivating their teams, and rising to critical moments with urgency and clarity, initiative-driven managers cultivate trust, inspire performance, and position their departments for sustained success.

360-Degree Feedback Questionnaire Items

Initiative skills enable managers to lead with foresight, decisiveness, and autonomy--empowering them to anticipate challenges, launch strategic projects without waiting for direction, and respond swiftly to emerging opportunities. These skills foster a culture of ownership and momentum, allowing managers to remove barriers, coach their teams through uncertainty, and champion impactful solutions that align with organizational goals. By consistently rising to the occasion and exceeding expectations, initiative-driven managers become catalysts for innovation, resilience, and sustained performance.



Self-Starter

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

Proactive

• Addresses small problems before they become big ones.
• Acts quickly to address any issues or problems.
• Actively works on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself.
• Takes action in the absence of specific direction.
• 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.
• Takes action to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed.
• Takes appropriate actions to address problems or issues.
• Begins immediate action on projects.
• Actively works on problems instead of just thinking about them.
• Proactively identifies and removes barriers that inhibit progress without waiting for direction.
• Is proactive and gets things done.

Opportunistic

• Seeks and utilizes opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
• Capitalizes on opportunities as they become available.
• Seizes upon opportunities available.
• Acts quickly when an opportunity becomes available.
• Identifies emerging trends or shifts in the business environment and takes the initiative to adjust plans accordingly.
• Seizes upon chances to improve the department's prospects.
• Takes advantage of opportunities when they become available.
• Transforms opportunity into actions.
• Looks for opportunities to move projects forward.

Working Independently

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

Forward-Thinking

• Prepares for unexpected contingencies.
• Allocates resources in advance to support anticipated growth or change initiatives.
• Anticipates problems and initiates plans to address them.
• Initiates automation or tooling to reduce future manual workload or bottlenecks.
• Anticipates what needs to be done and makes necessary preparations.
• Takes the initiative to develop contingency plans for high-risk scenarios before they materialize.
• Implements scalable solutions that accommodate future expansion or complexity.
• Anticipates, prepares, and acts proactively to address issues in the department.

Motivated

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

Impactful

• Takes decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve.
• Initiates projects that have an impact on the department.
• Initiates actions that lead to solving problems.
• Introduces changes that reduce operational costs or increase revenue.
• Launches initiatives that measurably improve team performance, efficiency, or morale.
• Leads pilots or experiments that result in scalable improvements.
• Champions projects that directly support strategic goals or KPIs.
• Encourages others on the team to suggest process improvements.
• Initiates actions that impact the department/company.
• Escalates strategically when necessary to unblock stalled efforts, while maintaining professionalism.
• Initiates policy or process changes that become best practices across departments.
• Helps the department take the initiative to create new solutions.

Above Expectations

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

Persistent or Tenacious

• Persists in stakeholder engagement even when initial outreach is met with resistance or indifference.
• Maintains momentum on long-term initiatives despite shifting priorities or limited support.
• Seeks alternative methods or resources when initial approaches fail or are unavailable.
• Initiates draft reports for consideration.
• Takes the initiative to complete tasks ahead of schedule.
• Begins a task and follows through until completion.
• Champions under-supported ideas by building coalitions or reframing proposals to gain traction.
• Will continue to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles.
• Demonstrates resilience by learning from failed attempts and applying insights to future actions.
• Bends rules when necessary to achieve goals.
• Bends rules when necessary to accomplish tasks.

Rises to the Occasion

• Takes corrective action to rectify issues.
• Volunteers for challenging assignments others avoid, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
• Acts with urgency when time is of the essence.
• Acts with urgency when time is limited.
• Takes charge when there is a crisis.
• Takes corrective action to address performance deficiencies/issues.
• Sees what needs to be done and takes appropriate actions.
• Takes the initiative to solve pressing issues.
• Immediately works on solving problems.

Initiative in Relationships

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

Employee Opinion Survey Items

Employees with high Initiative skills help organizations and departments by driving progress through independent action, proactive problem-solving, and strategic responsiveness. They take ownership of tasks without waiting for instruction, anticipate challenges before they arise, and seize opportunities that align with business goals. Their motivated and forward-thinking approach leads to innovative solutions, improved efficiency, and a culture of continuous improvement. By consistently exceeding expectations and rising to urgent demands, they elevate team performance and contribute directly to organizational resilience and success.



Self-Starter

• Employees are able to initiate work on projects independently without direct supervision.
• Our department takes the initiative to start work on new projects.
• Coworkers in my department look to start work on new projects without waiting for direction from the manager.
• Managers initiate the development of new products.
• Our team analyzes the needs of the situation and act before being told to do so.
• Employees in my department seek out new learning opportunities to improve their skills.
• Employees in our department are willing to take action without waiting to be told to do so.
• Coworkers are inclined to initiate action rather than react to incidents.
• I know how to take the initiative to change the direction or course of events.
• My team takes actions without having to be told to do so.
• My manager is a self-starter. does not wait to be told to do something.

Proactive

• Colleagues take appropriate actions to address problems or issues.
• I can act quickly when a small problem arises to keep it from becoming a major issue.
• My department addresses small problems before they become big ones.
• Our manager identifies and removes barriers that inhibit progress without waiting for direction.
• My manager takes action to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed.
• The team leader takes action in the absence of specific direction.
• My supervisor begins immediate action on projects.
• Associates work on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself.
• My manager works on problems instead of just thinking about them.
• My team is proactive and getting things done.
• Colleagues act quickly to address any issues or problems.
• I am proactive when preparing for potential problems or critical events.

Opportunistic

• Our manager seeks and utilizes opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
• My supervisor capitalizes on opportunities to grow the business.
• My team seizes upon opportunities available.
• Coworkers in my department take advantage of opportunities when they become available.
• Coworkers in my department transform opportunity into actions.
• Our manager seizes upon chances to improve the department's prospects.
• The project manager looks for opportunities to move projects forward.
• Leaders identify emerging trends or shifts in the business environment and take the initiative to adjust plans accordingly.
• Our department acts quickly when an opportunity becomes available.
• Our team capitalizes on opportunities as they become available.
• Employees seek to take advantage of opportunities.

Working Independently

• My supervisor encourages initiative.
• Associates do the right thing without being told.
• I can initiate draft reports for consideration.
• Team members confront problems immediately without supervisor instructions.
• Senior Management at Company encourages initiative.
• I am allowed to take initiative to assess my skills and seek appropriate training.
• My supervisor acts independently to solve pressing needs.
• My manager encourages initiative.
• My supervisor acts on own initiative to improve the department outcomes.
• Employees in my department take action without being asked.
• My supervisor encourages me to take initiative in my job.
• Employees do things without being told.
• I usually complete tasks without having to be told to do so.

Forward-Thinking

• My supervisor anticipates, prepares, and acts proactively to addresses issues in the department.
• The project lead anticipates what needs to be done and makes necessary preparations.
• The company implements scalable solutions that accommodate future expansion or complexity.
• My division initiates automation or tooling to reduce future manual workloads or bottlenecks.
• The team leader allocates resources in advance to support anticipated growth or change initiatives.
• Coworkers in my department take the initiative to develop contingency plans for high-risk scenarios before they materialize.
• Managers prepare for unexpected contingencies.
• My manager anticipates problems and initiates plans to address them.

Motivated

• Associates clean the workspace without being told.
• The members of my team work to complete goals well before their deadline.
• My manager initiates new projects for the department.
• Employees in my department seek additional responsibilities.
• Supervisors update the documentation as soon as the situation changes.
• Employees are motivated to resolve issues right away.
• Our team creates solutions to problems as soon as an incident occurs.
• Managers take action to implement new changes in the policies and procedures.

Impactful

• Leadership at the Company encourages initiative and risk taking.
• The project manager encourages others on the team to suggest process improvements.
• The members of my team initiate policy or process changes that become best practices across departments.
• My manager helps the department take the initiative to create new solutions.
• My manager introduces changes that reduce operational costs or increase revenue.
• The manager escalates strategically when necessary to unblock stalled efforts.
• Managers initiate projects that have an impact on the department.
• Employee initiatives to develop the Company are encouraged.
• My manager takes decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve.
• My team leader launches initiatives that measurably improve team performance, efficiency, or morale.
• Our department initiates actions that impact the department/company.
• Our department initiates actions that lead to solving problems.
• My department champions projects that directly support strategic goals or KPIs.
• My department is able to develop unique solutions to problems and issues.

Above Expectations

• Leaders guide strategic initiatives to advance the department/organization.
• Coworkers in my department do more than expected.
• Colleagues expand the offerings of the department by working evenings and weekends.
• My supervisor is an inspiration for others to perform above expectations.
• Employees in my department aim to achieve more than what is expected or required.
• Associates take on extra projects after required work is completed.
• Colleagues volunteer time and effort toward the completion of important goals.
• The members of my team go above and beyond the stated goals.
• Employees in my department take on additional task without being asked or told to do so.
• Leadership here inspires others to perform above expectations.

Persistent or Tenacious

• Coworkers begin a task and follow through until completion.
• The project leader is able to maintain momentum on long-term initiatives despite shifting priorities or limited support.
• Our department seeks alternative methods or resources when initial approaches fail or are unavailable.
• Coworkers in my department take the initiative to complete task ahead of schedule.
• Our department persists in stakeholder engagement even when initial outreach is met with resistance or indifference.
• Associates champion under-supported ideas by building coalitions or reframing proposals to gain traction.
• Colleagues will continue to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles.
• Employees in my department might deviate from standard procedures when necessary to achieve goals.
• My manager demonstrates resilience by learning from failed attempts and applying insights to future actions.
• Managers sometimes bend rule when necessary to accomplish tasks.

Rises to the Occasion

• The project manager takes corrective action to rectify issues.
• I feel encouraged to come up with new and better ways of doing things.
• Our manager takes the initiative to solve pressing issues.
• My manager volunteers for challenging assignments others avoid, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
• Associates act with urgency when time is limited.
• My department takes charge when there is a crisis.
• The supervisor sees what needs to be done and takes appropriate actions.
• My manager takes corrective action to address performance deficiencies/issues.
• My manager acts with urgency when time is of the essence.
• My team immediately works on solving problems.

Initiative in Relationships

• The project manager engages with new customers immediately.
• Coworkers inform the HR department of any personnel complaints or issues.
• Employees immediately inform the supervisor of any critical incidents.
• Our department empowers team members to quickly take ownership of problems and propose impactful solutions.
• My supervisor coaches others to create an environment which can adapt quickly and willingly to rapid change.
• Coworkers initiate draft documents for the director.
• I can build strong interpersonal relationships upon first meeting.
• Our manager comes to the aid of those who may need help.
• Associates inform the manager of any important changes in the equipment operation.

Self-Assessment Items

Self-Starter

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

Proactive

• I am proactive and get things done.
• I act quickly when a small problem arises to keep it from becoming a major issue.
• You take action to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed.
• I proactively identify and remove barriers that inhibit progress without waiting for direction.
• You act quickly to address any issues or problems.
• You actively work on problems instead of just thinking about them.
• I take action in the absence of specific direction.
• You actively work on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself.
• I address small problems before they become big ones.
• You are proactive when preparing for potential problems or critical events.
• I begin immediate action on projects.
• You take appropriate actions to address problems or issues.

Opportunistic

• You seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development.
• I identify emerging trends or shift in the business environment and takes the initiative to adjust plans accordingly.
• You act quickly when an opportunity becomes available.
• I seize upon chances to improve the department's prospects.
• You seize upon opportunities available.
• I look for opportunities to move projects forward.
• I transform opportunity into actions.
• I capitalize on opportunities as they become available.
• I take advantage of opportunities when they become available.

Working Independently

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

Forward-Thinking

• You prepare for unexpected contingencies.
• I anticipate problems and initiate plans to address them.
• I took the initiative to develop contingency plans for high-risk scenarios before they materialize.
• You anticipate what needs to be done and makes necessary preparations.
• You anticipate, prepare, and act proactively to address issues in the department.
• You implement scalable solutions that accommodate future expansion or complexity.
• You initiate automation or tooling to reduce future manual workload or bottlenecks.
• I allocate resources in advance to support anticipated growth or change initiatives.

Motivated

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

Impactful

• You take decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve.
• You champion projects that directly support strategic goals or KPIs.
• You initiate actions that lead to solve problems.
• You introduce changes that reduce operational costs or increase revenue.
• I launch initiatives that measurably improve team performance, efficiency, or morale.
• You escalate strategically when necessary to unblock stalled efforts, while maintaining professionalism.
• I initiate projects that have an impact on the department.
• You initiate actions that impact the department/company.
• You initiate policy or process changes that become best practices across departments.
• You help the department take the initiative to create new solutions.
• You lead pilots or experiments that result in scalable improvements.
• I encourage others on the team to suggest process improvements.

Above Expectations

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

Persistent or Tenacious

• You take the initiative to complete tasks ahead of schedule.
• I will continue to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles.
• I seek alternative methods or resources when initial approaches fail or are unavailable.
• You champion under-supported ideas by building coalitions or reframe proposals to gain traction.
• You demonstrate resilience by learning from failed attempts and apply insights to future actions.
• I initiate draft reports for consideration.
• You maintain momentum on long-term initiatives despite shifting priorities or limit support.
• I begin a task and follow through until completion.
• You persist in stakeholder engagement even when initial outreach is met with resistance or indifference.
• You bend rules when necessary to achieve goals.
• You bend rules when necessary to accomplish tasks.

Rises to the Occasion

• I act with urgency when time is of the essence.
• I take charge when there is a crisis.
• You act with urgency when time is limited.
• I take corrective action to rectify issues.
• You volunteer for challenging assignments others avoid, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
• I take the initiative to solve pressing issues.
• I immediately work on solving problems.
• You see what needs to be done and take appropriate actions.
• You take corrective action to address performance deficiencies/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.
• You empower team members to quickly take ownership of problems and propose impactful solutions.
• I inform the manager of any important changes in the equipment operation.
• You quickly come to the aid of those who may need help.
• I initiate important conversation topics at meetings.
• You immediately inform the HR Department of any personnel complaints or issues.
• You immediately inform the supervisor of any critical incidents.
• You engage with new customers immediately.
• You initiate draft documents for the director.

Job Application Items

Self-Starter

• How do you analyze the needs of the situation and act before being told to do so?
• Do you initiate the development of new products?
• Are you able to initiate work on projects independently without direct supervision? Give examples.
• Describe how you independently seek out new learning opportunities to improve your skills.
• When working on a problem in a team, are you often the first to suggest possible solutions?
• Are you a self-starter who does not wait to be told to do something?
• Have you taken the initiative to change the direction or course of events?
• Are you inclined to initiate action rather than react?
• Do you usually look to start work on new projects without waiting for direction from the manager?

Proactive

• Describe how you begin action on projects?
• Do you actively work on resolving the issue instead of procrastinating or hoping it will resolve itself?
• What steps do you take to establish clear and concise deadlines for tasks to be completed?
• Do you address small problems before they become big ones? Give me an example.
• How are you proactive when preparing for potential problems or critical events?
• Give examples of how you acted quickly when a small problem arose to keep it from becoming a major issue.
• Are you proactive and gets things done?
• Do you usually act quickly to address any issues or problems?

Opportunistic

• Have you seized upon chances to improve the department's prospects?
• Describe how you seized upon opportunities available?
• Do you take advantage of opportunities when they become available?
• How do you capitalize on opportunities as they become available?
• Do you seek and utilize opportunities for continuous learning and self-development?
• How do you look for opportunities to move projects forward?
• Describe how you act quickly when an opportunity becomes available?

Working Independently

• Do you act independently to solve pressing needs?
• Do you take action without being asked?
• Describe how you do things without being told?
• How do you act on your own initiative to improve the department outcomes?
• Have you done the right thing without being told? Give an example.
• Do you complete tasks without having to be told to do so?
• Have you confronted problems immediately without supervisor instructions?

Forward Thinking

• Do you anticipate problems and initiates plans to address them?
• Have you prepared for unexpected contingencies?
• Give examples of when you anticipated what needed to be done and made the necessary preparations?

Motivated

• Do you take action to implement new changes in the policies and procedures?
• Describe how you created solutions to problems as soon as an incident occurs?
• Have you initiated new projects for the department?
• Have you cleaned the workspace without being told?
• Do you immediately work to complete goals well before their deadline?
• Do you gladly seek additional responsibilities?
• Do you update the documentation as soon as the situation changes?

Impactful

• Describe how you take decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve?
• Do you encourage others on the team to suggest process improvements?
• Have you initiated actions that impacted the department/company?
• Have you helped the department take the initiative to create new solutions?
• Do you initiate projects that have an impact on the department?

Above Expectations

• Have you taken on extra projects after required work is completed?
• Are you an inspiration for others to perform above expectations?
• Describe when you expanded the offerings of the department by working evenings and weekends.
• Have you taken on additional tasks without being asked or told to do so?
• Have you guided strategic initiatives to advance the department/organization?
• Do you go above and beyond the stated goals?
• Have you inspired others to perform above expectations?
• Do you aim to achieve more than what is expected or required?
• Do you volunteer time and effort toward the completion of important goals?

Persistent or Tenacious

• Describe how/when you continued to work on a problem even in the face of obstacles?
• Describe how and when you bend rules when necessary to achieve goals?
• Do you bend rules when necessary to accomplish tasks? Plesae explain.
• Have you initiated draft reports for consideration?
• Do you take the initiative to complete tasks ahead of schedule?

Rises to the Occasion

• How do you take corrective action to address performance deficiencies/issues?
• When do you take corrective action to rectify issues?
• Do you immediately work on solving problems?
• Describe when/how you took the initiative to solve pressing issues?
• Do you act with urgency when time is limited?
• Describe how you acted with urgency when time was of the essence?
• Do you take charge when there is a crisis?

Initiative in Relationships

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

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