From Social Compliance to Personal Initiative

Insightful as ever, Seth Godin writes, "There is a fundamental shift in rules from manual-based work(where you follow instructions and an increase in productivity means doing the steps faster) to project-based work (where the instructions are unknown, and visualizing outcomes and then getting things done is what counts.)"

I see this as the difference between social compliance and personal initiative.  Social compliance is the mindset of go-along-to-get-along, do what you are asked, stay in place, don't make waves, and you can pick up your pay check and pink slip at the end of the day.

Personal initiative is a quality of character that looks for ways to make a difference.  This is what I find is at the heart of true leadership. When we take initiative, we are taking responsibility for the outcome of a situation.  Step forward, fill the gap, do the right thing, don't wait to be asked, take the lead.

All my work is project work, and has been for a dozen years. It suits me because I rarely find that the instructions given to me make sense or are explicit enough so that I don't need to ask questions.  It is why I work for myself.

If you have every been accused by your boss of being "too presidential" if probably means that you take too much initiative, and as a result you are a threat. 

Personal initiative is freedom. Freedom to excel in all aspects of your life. You probably are like that if you are reading this blog. And you may find that you don't fit in where you are because the impulse to be socially compliant in the workplace is not your cup of tea. 

So, what do you do if you are stuck in an organization of lots of socially compliant processes?  Take every project that comes along, and initiate to your heart's content.  Make yourself valuable because you are going beyond what is expected.  Social compliance reaches down for the lowest common denominator in order to keep the peace.  Personal initiative reaches for the stars and brings people along to share the trip. Lead.

Comments

[Roger Anderson]

Given that an increasing number of people are finding that they have to make their own way in the world, few will have to even make the choice to be self-employed. Initiative is a great thing but order can be useful as well. There are times when doing just what is requested is the right thing to do. Extra effort with no value can be counter productive.

I'm not saying I don't like free-spirits. I do. I married one for that reason. I love to have them at work, but in the right place. If you are on the loading dock it may not be a great place to be too creative. If you are one of the Hunter/Gatherers (Sales and Marketing or Marketing and Sales depending on which you are) then perhaps more is better.

Good leaders know when to follow. Great leaders know when to place others in the lead. The best do both and no one notices until later.