I’ve joined the company, the CCJK Technologies, as an HR Administrator for three months. Of cause, the work is totally different from what I used to do in the hospital as a nursing student. The first thing I need to adapt myself to is that my jobs of the new role are not explicitly written out or explained.

I have to admit that I was not sure what I should do and what I should not do at the beginning. So I took the safest way – consulted my supervisor and collages every time I did my work. I should be thankful that all my workmates are kindhearted and they patiently teach me everything in work.

The first month passed quickly. I did nothing wrong but did nothing impressive either. I carefully avoided any big mistake in my work, however, I felt something was missing. When I looked back, I suddenly realized that all I did in this month was to accomplish the tasks people gave me one after another. What is the difference between me and a computer! So I know that I need to change, and I need to be initiative at my work.

What does it mean to be initiative?

Simply put, to be initiative is to do what needs to be done without having to be told. Self-leadership is the essence of initiative.

First, you have to know the work of your position, so that you can take charge of your time, arrange the jobs in a reasonable order, and finish them smoothly without constant intervention. After one month in the office, I’ve basically figured out the scope of my work. Every morning before I start my work, I make a schedule in my mind or write it down sometime. By this way, I find my work is better organized.

Second, meet the standard of your work vs. set the standard of your work. As employees, we all want to do our job excellently and gain boss’s compliment and trust. There is nothing wrong with it. As time goes on, however, you may end up tired and stressful. Because you are doing the work for somebody else, you have to see things from other people’s point of view and try to satisfy them, which is the root of your frustration.

If you concentrate on the work, you will know how you want things be done, then you can make the decision according to your heart. Let your mind guide your work without waiting for others to tell you what to do.

Third, go the extra mile. If you want to push your career to a higher place, you should be willing and ready to do more. Sounds hard to do? Actually, just a sense of responsibility for the company’s well-being can help. You can find ways to improve a product or service or to better serve your customers, because you know that when the company thrives, you grow stronger too.

Forth, enjoy your work. Your job not only provides the money or material gain you need to live, it also gives you the chance to excel, to stand out, and to be exceptional. When you see the virtues of work, how can you still be passive at work?

Attitudes define everything. Taking initiative is a choice to make. But once you turn it into a habit, you can benefit from it for the rest of your life.