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Seeing and Taking the Initiative
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Corporate Training Materials
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface .............................................................................................................................................. 2
What is Courseware? ................................................................................................................................ 3
How Do I Customize My Course? .............................................................................................................. 3
Materials Required ................................................................................................................................... 4
Maximizing Your Training Power .............................................................................................................. 5
Icebreakers ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Icebreaker: Friends Indeed ........................................................................................................................ 7
Instructor Guide Sample ..................................................................................................................... 8
Sample Module: What is Initiative? .......................................................................................................... 9
Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Quick Reference Sheets .................................................................................................................... 19
Certificate of Completion ................................................................................................................. 21
PowerPoint Sample .......................................................................................................................... 23
Full Course Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... 28
Preface
What is Courseware?
Welcome to Corporate Training Materials, a completely new training
experience!
Our courseware packages offer you top-quality training materials that
are customizable, user-friendly, educational, and fun. We provide your
materials, materials for the student, PowerPoint slides, and a take-
home reference sheet for the student. You simply need to prepare and
train!
Best of all, our courseware packages are created in Microsoft Office and can be opened using any
version of Word and PowerPoint. (Most other word processing and presentation programs support
these formats, too.) This means that you can customize the content, add your logo, change the color
scheme, and easily print and e-mail training materials.
How Do I Customize My Course?
Customizing your course is easy. To edit text, just click and type as you would with any document. This is
particularly convenient if you want to add customized statistics for your region, special examples for
your participants’ industry, or additional information. You can, of course, also use all of your word
processor’s other features, including text formatting and editing tools (such as cutting and pasting).
To remove modules, simply select the text and press Delete on your keyboard. Then, navigate to the
Table of Contents, right-click, and click Update Field. You may see a dialog box; if so, click “Update entire
table” and press OK.
(You will also want to perform this step if you add modules or move them around.)
If you want to change the way text looks, you can format any piece of text any way you want. However,
to make it easy, we have used styles so that you can update all the text at once.
If you are using Word 97 to 2003, start by clicking the Format menu followed by Styles and Formatting.
In Word 2007 and 2010 under the Home tab, right-click on your chosen style and click Modify. That will
then produce the Modify Style options window where you can set your preferred style options.
For example, if we wanted to change our Heading 1 style, used for Module Titles, this is what we would
do:
Now, we can change our formatting and it will apply to all the headings in the document.
For more information on making Word work for you, please refer to Word 2007 or 2010 Essentials by
Corporate Training Materials.
Materials Required
All of our courses use flip chart paper and markers extensively. (If you prefer, you can use a whiteboard
or chalkboard instead.)
We recommend that each participant have a copy of the Training Manual, and that you review each
module before training to ensure you have any special materials required. Worksheets and handouts are
included within a separate activities folder and can be reproduced and used where indicated. If you
would like to save paper, these worksheets are easily transferrable to a flip chart paper format, instead
of having individual worksheets.
We recommend these additional materials for all workshops:
Laptop with projector, for PowerPoint slides
Quick Reference Sheets for students to take home
Timer or watch (separate from your laptop)
Masking tape
Blank paper
Maximizing Your Training Power
We have just one more thing for you before you get started. Our company is built for trainers, by
trainers, so we thought we would share some of our tips with you, to help you create an engaging,
unforgettable experience for your participants.
Make it customized. By tailoring each course to your participants, you will find that your results
will increase a thousand-fold.
o Use examples, case studies, and stories that are relevant to the group.
o Identify whether your participants are strangers or whether they work together. Tailor
your approach appropriately.
o Different people learn in different ways, so use different types of activities to balance it
all out. (For example, some people learn by reading, while others learn by talking about
it, while still others need a hands-on approach. For more information, we suggest
Experiential Learning by David Kolb.)
Make it fun and interactive. Most people do not enjoy sitting and listening to someone else talk
for hours at a time. Make use of the tips in this book and your own experience to keep your
participants engaged. Mix up the activities to include individual work, small group work, large
group discussions, and mini-lectures.
Make it relevant. Participants are much more receptive to learning if they understand why they
are learning it and how they can apply it in their daily lives. Most importantly, they want to
know how it will benefit them and make their lives easier. Take every opportunity to tie what
you are teaching back to real life.
Keep an open mind. Many trainers find that they learn something each time they teach a
workshop. If you go into a training session with that attitude, you will find that there can be an
amazing two-way flow of information between the trainer and trainees. Enjoy it, learn from it,
and make the most of it in your workshops.
And now, time for the training!
Icebreakers
Each course is provided with a wide range of interactive Icebreakers. The trainer can utilize an
Icebreaker to help facilitate the beginning of the course, as it helps “break the ice” with the
participants. If the participants are new to each other, an icebreaker is a great way to introduce
everyone to each other. If the participants all know each other it can still help loosen up the
room and begin the training session on positive note. Below you will see one of the icebreakers
that can be utilized from the Icebreakers folder.
Icebreaker: Friends Indeed
Purpose
Have the participants moving around and help to make introductions to each other.
Materials Required
Name card for each person
Markers
Preparation
Have participants fill out their name card. Then, ask participants to stand in a circle, shoulder to
shoulder. They should place their name card at their feet. Then they can take a step back. You
as the facilitator should take the place in the center of the circle.
Activity
Explain that there is one less place than people in the group, as you are in the middle and will
be participating. You will call out a statement that applies to you, and anyone to whom that
statement applies must find another place in the circle.
Examples:
Friends who have cats at home
Friends who are wearing blue
Friends who don’t like ice cream
The odd person out must stand in the center and make a statement.
The rules:
You cannot move immediately to your left or right, or back to your place.
Let’s be adults: no kicking, punching, body-checking, etc.
Play a few rounds until everyone has had a chance to move around.
Instructor Guide Sample
On the following pages is a sample module from our Instructor Guide. It provides the instructor
with a copy of the material and a Lesson Plans box.
The key benefit for the trainer is the Lesson Plan box. It provides a standardized set of tools to
assist the instructor train that particular lesson. The Lesson Plan box gives an estimated time to
complete the lesson, any materials that are needed for the lesson, recommended activities, and
additional points to assist in delivering the lessons such as Stories to Share and Delivery Tips.
Sample Module: What is Initiative?
Initiative is something we can all use in our careers. It is what sets up
apart from others and our competition. Many people are afraid to
take the initiative, but if you can, you will stand out. Initiative is deep
down inside all of us, but the successful ones are the ones who use it
“Initiative is doing the right thing without
being told.”
Victor Hugo
Initiative is doing the right thing without
being told.
Victor Hugo
Definition
It is important to know what initiative is to properly utilize it. Initiative is
defined as the ability to assess and initiate things independently. In other
words, it is taking advantage of the opportunities in front of you. It is stepping
up, and going beyond your typical duties. Take charge of situations before
others do. You may not want to step out of your comfort zone, but usually you
will be rewarded for doing so. It is thinking outside the box, preparing for success, capitalizing on
opportunities. It is making changes to take a step forward and being persistent.
Estimated Time 7 minutes
Topic Objective Review the purpose of determining your goals.
Topic Summary Definition of Initiative
Discuss what initiative is and how it applies to your career goals.
Materials Required 01: Initiative For Me
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity Complete the worksheet individually. Share your answers with the rest of
the group.
Stories to Share Share any personal, relevant stories.
Delivery Tips Encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions Why is it important to show initiative in the workplace?
Benefits, Personal and Professional
In life, taking initiative offers many benefits. It is a positive step that anyone can
take for themselves. Only you can take the initiative for yourself, so ensure you
do it. Taking the initiative provides individuals with a sense of self-control both
in their personal and professional lives. No one is going to offer you
opportunities if you do not deserve them, so stepping up will make all the
difference in your life. In your personal life, it may benefit you by helping you
feel more confident with yourself. In your professional life, it may help you get that coveted promotion.
In either aspect of your life, it will promote better things.
Taking initiative promotes:
Control
Achievement
Confidence
Proactivity
Inspiration
Self-Awareness
Creativity
Fear-busting
Estimated Time 7 minutes
Topic Objective Review the benefits of taking initiative in both the personal and
professional life.
Topic Summary Assess Benefits of Initiative
Discuss how to assess your strengths in a job field.
Materials Required 02: My Benefits of Taking Initiative
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity Complete the worksheet individually. Share your answers with the rest of
the group.
Stories to Share Share any personal or professional relevant stories.
Delivery Tips Encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions How has taking initiative helped you?
Why People Do Not Take Initiative
Not everyone is comfortable with taking the initiative, or even knows how to do
so. It is something that is developed mentally and takes strength to do. Some
individuals have a bounded rationality. These individuals are unable to see past
what they currently know. They cannot see the benefits of stepping up.
Typically, the individual has never thought about it. Also, individuals do not take
the initiative due to a lack of capability. Outside their general knowledge, some
individuals do not possess the expertise to take the initiative for a more difficult task. Execution over
innovation is also another popular reason that individuals do not take initiative. These individuals only
focus on their own work, and do not have concern for any new tasks. Finally, some individuals are too
busy to take the initiative. There is already too much on their plate, and they physically and mentally
cannot process anymore work.
Reasons for not taking the initiative:
Bounded rationality
Lack of capability
Execution over Innovation
Task overload
Estimated Time 7 minutes
Topic Objective Review the importance of recognizing why you have not taken initiative in
the past.
Topic Summary
Identify When You Have Not Taken Initiative
Discuss a time you did not take initiative and how the outcome could have
been different if you did.
Materials Required 03: No Initiative
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity Complete the worksheet individually. Share your answers with the rest of
the group.
Stories to Share Share any personal, relevant stories.
Delivery Tips Encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions How can taking initiative, when you did not, make a difference?
Make Initiative a Priority
It is our duty to make initiative a priority in both our professional and personal
lives. To make initiative a priority, we must first understand what it is and
what its benefits are. Once we understand this, we can take the leap forward.
To make taking initiative a priority, we must watch for opportunities. We must
be aware of our surroundings, and what can potentially be a fantastic
opportunity to do so. In your professional career, if you see that your boss
needs help with something, offer it! Show that you are a go-getter. Take the extra step when you can!
People will take notice of your initiative, and you will be rewarded positively.
Estimated Time 7 minutes
Topic Objective Review the importance of taking initiative.
Topic Summary Taking Initiative
Discuss different methods of making taking initiative a priority
Materials Required White board, markers
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity
As a group, discuss the different methods a person can use to make taking
initiative a priority in the professional setting. Discuss examples and write
them on the white board.
Stories to Share Share any personal, relevant stories.
Delivery Tips Encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions What is a way to take initiative in the workplace?
Case Study
Jennifer and Angela are both employees at a company. They both started at the same
time, and hold the same position. A new promotional position has opened up with the
company, and their supervisor says he will be making a decision soon about who he
thinks will be the best fit for it.
Both Jennifer and Angela perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. They both complete their
assignments on time. The difference is, Jennifer knows the importance of taking initiative at the
workplace. Jennifer has noticed that several of her superiors have needed help on projects, and Jennifer
has taken the time to help. In her time helping her superiors, she has learned valuable information that
will help her succeed in the promotional position. Angela, on the other hand, is focused on only doing
her work to the best of her ability. She does not think helping others will help her in any way.
After about two weeks, the supervisor made his decision on the position. Jennifer was given the
position. The reasoning was because the supervisor noticed the initiative she had taken, and took that
into consideration. The only thing that separated the two candidates was one took initiative to help
others in a higher position and the other did not.
Estimated Time 6 minutes
Topic Objective Outline the ‘Jennifer and Angela' case study.
Topic Summary Case study
Discuss the ways to find the job you want.
Materials Required None
Planning Checklist None
Recommended Activity Discuss the outcome of the case study. How did Jennifer get the job over
Angela when they both did their current jobs the same?
Stories to Share Share any personal, relevant stories.
Delivery Tips Encourage everyone to participate.
Review Questions What made Jennifer stand out above her co-worker?
Module Two: Review Questions
1. What is defined as the ability to assess and initiate opportunities in one's career independently?
a) Initiative
b) Self-control
c) Self-esteem
d) Acting on impulse
Initiative is important in advancing in one's career. It is seizing opportunities and taking
advantage of them.
2. Someone that is taking initiative will do what?
a) Ask others to do their work for them
b) Focus solely on their current job position
c) Push others to do better than themselves
d) Take charge of situations before others do
Initiative in the workplace is important for advancing. It is about taking charge of situations
before others do. It is about going above and beyond in the workplace.
3. Taking initiative provides benefits to whom?
a) Others only
b) Both Personal and Professional self
c) Personal self only
d) Professional self only
Initiative provides benefits in our personal and professional lives, depending where the action is
taken. It provides individuals with a sense of self-control.
4. Taking initiative promotes all of the following, except:
a) Control
b) Achievement
c) Self-awareness
d) Self-doubt
Taking initiative is a positive step. It promotes confidence, inspiration, control achievement, self-
awareness, creativity, and fear-busting.
5. An individual that has a bounded rationality, is said to what?
a) Take huge risks without thought
b) Push themselves as hard as they can
c) Be unable to see past what they currently know
d) Never try in their current ventures
A person with bounded rationality has trouble seeing past what they currently know. This
person does not see how stepping out-of-the-box can be beneficial.
6. All of the following are reasons an individual does not take the initiative, except:
a) Can think outside-of-the-box
b) Lack of capability
c) Task overload
d) Focus on execution not innovation
There are many reasons that people do not take the initiative. Individuals must identify these
reasons before they overcome them. The reasons include: lack of capability, task overload, and
focus on execution not innovation.
7. Before we can make initiative a priority, we must do what?
a) Pursue a new career
b) Understand what it is
c) Have taken initiative before
d) Have had a benefit of it happen to you
It is important to understand what initiative is. Once you can understand this, you can make it a
priority. A person can make it a priority by watching for opportunities.
8. Which of the following is an example of taking initiative?
a) Asking a co-worker to complete your work
b) Making a positive comment to a co-worker
c) Offering to help your boss with his work
d) Redoing all of your work
An employee can take initiative by offering their boss help with a project. The employee needs
to watch for available opportunities and take them.
9. What set Jennifer apart from Angela?
a) Angela never socialized with co-workers
b) Jennifer completed her work faster than Angela
c) Jennifer offered to help her superiors with work
d) Angela doesn’t like to work long hours
Jennifer took the initiative in the case study. She made a point to help her supervisors, and not
only focus on herself.
10. What did Jennifer learn from taking the initiative?
a) Ways to competitively beat out Angela
b) Information to help her in the promotional position
c) That you always get what you want if you take the initiative
d) That if you do not take the initiative you will fail at your job
Taking the initiative helped Jennifer get the job. By doing this, she was able to learn valuable job
information from her superiors.
Activities
During the facilitation of a lesson Worksheet or Handout may be utilized to help present the
material. If a lesson calls for a Worksheet or Handout it will be listed in the Lesson Plan box
under Materials Required. The trainer can then utilize the Activities folder for the
corresponding material and then provide it to the participants. They are all on separate Word
documents, and are easily edited and customized.
Below you will see the Worksheets or Handouts that are utilized during the training of the
above lesson. They are located in the Activities folder and can be easily printed and edited for
the participants.
Sample Worksheet: Initiative For Me
Use the space below to outline some ways that you can take initiative in your current employment
position.
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Notes:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Quick Reference Sheets
Below is an example of our Quick reference Sheets. They are used to provide the participants
with a quick way to reference the material after the course has been completed. They can be
customized by the trainer to provide the material deemed the most important. They are a way
the participants can look back and reference the material at a later date.
They are also very useful as a take-away from the workshop when branded. When a participant
leaves with a Quick Reference Sheet it provides a great way to promote future business.
Go the Extra Mile
Part of initiative is going the extra mile.
Take the step of going above and
beyond your usual tasks. This will make
you stand out, and show motivation.
Going the extra mile can be as simple
as offering another employee help.
Every little bit helps in the workplace,
so if you can help out, you should. It
will not go unnoticed. Going the extra
mile will motivate you and make you
feel good about yourself. A little
initiative goes a long way.
Ways employees are motivated:
Getting work benefits for
performing well
Building relationships among staff
members
Knowing why they matter
Having clear goals set
Communicate Ideas
Communication is key to success. Without proper
communication our ideas will never be heard or be able to
flourish. How you communicate your ideas is directly related
to the response you get back. Communication is not a one way
process and you must consider how the other person
perceives you. Enhance communication by using positive
qualities when conveying information.
Positive qualities when communicating ideas:
Being warm, friendly, and open
Being honest
Making the idea exciting and interesting
Being organized when presenting the idea
Positive Thinking
Positive thinking can make all the difference in your life. Without positivity, it is very difficult to be a confident
person. Positive thinking can increase one's self esteem. There are two key components of self-esteem. These
components are self-image and self talk. To help with positive thinking, positive affirmations can be used. Tell
yourself I can do it!" When speaking to yourself with internal dialog, use the present and personal tenses. Also to
help with positive thinking, use positive visualization. Imagine yourself where you want to be. Do not think
negatively or like you cannot do something. Positive thinking will make all the difference in your life, and make you
a more confident person.
www.corporatetrainingmaterials.com © Corporate Training Materials
Seeing and Taking Initiative
Certificate of Completion
Every course comes with a Certificate of Completion where the participants can be recognized
for completing the course. It provides a record of their attendance and to be recognized for
their participation in the workshop.
[Nam
e]
Has m
astered the course
Seeing and Taking Initiative
Aw
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PowerPoint Sample
Below you will find the PowerPoint sample. The slides are based on and created from the
Instructor Guide. PowerPoint slides are a great tool to use during the facilitation of the
material; they help to focus on the important points of information presented during the
training.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ..............................................................................................................................................1
What is Courseware? ................................................................................................................................ 1
How Do I Customize My Course? .............................................................................................................. 1
Materials Required ................................................................................................................................... 3
Maximizing Your Training Power .............................................................................................................. 3
Module One: Getting Started .............................................................................................................5
Housekeeping Items.................................................................................................................................. 5
The Parking Lot ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Workshop Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 6
Action Plan Form....................................................................................................................................... 7
Evaluation Form ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Module Two: What is Initiative...........................................................................................................9
Definition .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Benefits, Personal and Professional ......................................................................................................... 9
Why People Do Not Take Initiative ......................................................................................................... 10
Make Initiative a Priority ........................................................................................................................ 11
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Module Two: Review Questions .............................................................................................................. 14
Module Three: Take a Chance .......................................................................................................... 17
Be Open Minded ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Be Adaptable .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Make Decisions ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Take Responsibility ................................................................................................................................. 19
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Module Three: Review Questions ........................................................................................................... 22
Module Four: Recognize When You Can Step In ................................................................................ 25
Know your Stengths and Skills ................................................................................................................ 25
Go the Extra Mile .................................................................................................................................... 26
Listen Carefully ....................................................................................................................................... 27
Fill in the Gaps ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 28
Module Four: Review Questions ............................................................................................................. 30
Module Five: Recognize When You Can Go Outside the Normal ........................................................ 33
Consider Culture and Values before Acting ............................................................................................ 33
Is It in the Scope of Your Authority? ....................................................................................................... 34
Communicate Ideas ................................................................................................................................ 35
Act on Solutions ...................................................................................................................................... 36
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 37
Module Five: Review Questions .............................................................................................................. 38
Module Six: Weighing the Consequences .......................................................................................... 41
Ask Questions ......................................................................................................................................... 41
Risk, Impact, or Cost Annalysis ............................................................................................................... 42
Is Authorization Necessary?.................................................................................................................... 43
When Risks Are Too High ........................................................................................................................ 44
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 45
Module Six: Review Questions ................................................................................................................ 47
Module Seven: Good or Bad ............................................................................................................. 50
The Good ................................................................................................................................................. 50
The Bad ................................................................................................................................................... 51
Develop Judgementl ............................................................................................................................... 52
Avoid Acting on Emotion ........................................................................................................................ 53
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 54
Module Seven: Review Questions ........................................................................................................... 55
Module Eight: Confidence ................................................................................................................ 58
Are you confident? .................................................................................................................................. 58
Build Confidence ..................................................................................................................................... 59
Positive Thinking ..................................................................................................................................... 60
Visualization ........................................................................................................................................... 61
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 61
Module Eight: Review Questions ............................................................................................................ 63
Module Nine: Find Opportunities ..................................................................................................... 66
Internal Opportunities ............................................................................................................................ 66
External Opportunities ............................................................................................................................ 67
Apply Core Competencies ....................................................................................................................... 68
What Problems Exist, and Will They Grow? ........................................................................................... 69
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 70
Module Nine: Review Questions ............................................................................................................. 72
Module Ten: Be Persistent ............................................................................................................... 75
Handle Setbacks ...................................................................................................................................... 75
Manage Change ..................................................................................................................................... 76
Modify Ideas When Necessary................................................................................................................ 77
Move Forward ........................................................................................................................................ 78
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 78
Module Ten: Review Questions .............................................................................................................. 80
Module Eleven: Balance Initiative and Restraint ............................................................................... 83
Consider the Work Involved in an Idea ................................................................................................... 83
Develop Emotional Intelligence .............................................................................................................. 84
Know the Buy-in of Stakeholders ............................................................................................................ 84
Do Not Push All Ideas Forward ............................................................................................................... 85
Case Study ............................................................................................................................................... 86
Module Eleven: Review Questions .......................................................................................................... 88
Module Twelve: Wrapping Up .......................................................................................................... 91
Words from the Wise .............................................................................................................................. 91
Review of Parking Lot ............................................................................................................................. 91
Lessons Learned ...................................................................................................................................... 92
Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations .......................................................................................... 92
