How good are you at Self Starting?

Did you know that Self Starting is a competency that you can develop? We define the Self Starting competency as, "Demonstrating initiative and willingness to begin working." Who do you know who is highly skilled at Self Starting?

With practice, you can grow and develop this skill just like other "hard skills" you might be good at like cooking, public speaking, employee coaching, or playing golf.

How do I grow as a leader: Self Starting?

Those with a highly developed skill of Self Starting exhibit the following:

• Possesses a strong work ethic and belief in getting results.
• Takes initiative and does whatever it takes to achieve objectives.
• Projects self-assurance in getting the task started.
• Starts quickly to avoid setbacks.
• Asserts self in personal and professional life.
• Willing to begin working regardless of circumstances.
• Accepts personal responsibility for achieving personal and professional goals.
• Functions effectively and achieves results regardless of circumstances.
• Takes initiative and acts without waiting for direction.
• Displays self-confidence, conscientiousness, assertiveness, persistence and is achievement-oriented.

Behaviorally, it comes more naturally and requires less focus for some of us to self-start. For the rest of us, it is a skill we may need to invest energy into developing in order to be more effective. Our Driving Forces will reward for some skills and not others. If your job or your environment demands something from you that isn't naturally present in your Behaviors or Driving Forces, you can develop it in your Competencies. 

What about you? How developed are you at the competency of Self Starting? What about the people on your team? Is this something you want your team to be strong in?