Have you ever seen the phrase “proactive attitude” printed in a place other than a CV? No? That’s not a problem; neither have we! However, it is a term that normally draws the attention of everyone who reads it, and few people genuinely understand what it means.
Acting proactively rather than reactively in advance of a future scenario is what proactivity entails.
Rather than reacting to a circumstance or waiting for anything to happen, it involves taking charge and making things happen.
Now that you know what that word means, you can see why so many individuals use it in their curriculum. The fact that it is a highly appreciated trait by businesses is precisely why so many people do it.
If you have a proactive employee, you may expect him to be able to confront problems and prevent them from occurring, or at the very least to be aware of them.
But a proactive attitude goes beyond this. Proactive people tend to have qualities that make them especially productive and valued in their work. Do you want to be more proactive? Let’s have a look at some of them.
1. They are active people.
It is a basic trait of a proactive individual. You will not be able to achieve proactivity if you are not an active person. People who are proactive seek action, enjoy solving issues, and will go to great lengths to avoid them.
This type of person enjoys doing things and does not like to stick to a pattern. Instead, they seek out new challenges to keep their energy flowing.
2. They know themselves.
Self-awareness is required for proactive behavior. Being proactive does not involve being “blindly” active, but rather looking in the mirror and understanding one’s own limitations and capabilities. What distinguishes you from other people? What are some ways you could improve?
What are some of your personal or professional flaws? These are the kinds of questions proactive people ask themselves to better understand themselves, where they stand, and how they may become more confident in their abilities.
3. They have self-confidence.
In order to move around the world with the dynamic attitude that proactive people show, it will be essential to have self-confidence. Proactive people reflect, plan, and when convinced that they are doing things right, they act. In addition, this way of acting reinforces your own self-esteem.
4. They are creative and look for different solutions.
A proactive person does not give up easily. If the usual solution does not offer results, they look for new alternatives. Have you seen the classic television series MacGyver? Do you remember that he was able to build a 6-axle truck with a box of matches and 4 hangers? He was a proactive champion.
5. They express themselves in a positive way and have a proactive attitude.
You already know that proactive people are always looking for solutions to problems, and to achieve this, positive language can open doors that are closed. If you express yourself with optimism, you will find that people are more likely to seek solutions with you.
6. They think beyond the short term.
It’s yet another distinguishing characteristic of proactive people. Most people are preoccupied with their current tasks and pay little attention to the medium and long-term progression of events.
Proactive people seek to foresee future requirements and problems. They understand the value of preparation. As a result, for leadership positions, proactivity is critical.
7. They have self-control.
Proactive people understand that emotions should not be allowed to get in the way of finding a solution to an issue. Stress can play tricks on us in certain instances.
Proactive people know how to keep a situation under control while also calming those around them by soothing them and showing respect for their thoughts and opinions.
8. They are focused.
Do you think that the best way to solve a problem at work is talking about how beautiful Beyoncé is or how bad the weather is right now? Proactive people want to be effective, and that means eliminating unnecessary issues. They will have time to talk about these things later after work…
9. They are constant.
These people are guided by their self-confidence and by planning, proactive people know that they are on the right track and are aware that it is often necessary to wait a little bit before witnessing results. Therefore, they don’t give up easily.
10. They are disciplined.
The qualities of proactivity lead to discipline. If a person is focused, then, he knows what to do, is constant, has self-control, is active … the disciplined personality arises by itself.
11. They are persuasive.
Few people are able to resist the attractiveness of a proactive person. Your self-confidence, your self-control, and your ability to show respect for the ideas of others are all things that will help your ideas be heard.
12. They are sociable.
It is another quality that comes from the others. An active person, with self-esteem, positive and creative, will usually find satisfaction in social relationships, which in turn will be positive for the work.
13. They learn from criticism.
Do you scribble a red cross on the portraits of those who criticize you? Do you then send it to this person? Like in the movies, in a box? Do you want to spend the rest of your life in prison? Relax and unwind! Criticism is an opportunity for a proactive person to learn and develop; they do not take it personally and benefit from it.
14. They are flexible.
Remember: proactive people are creative, want to find solutions to problems, and anticipate them, and that implies a great capacity for adaptation and flexibility. If you don’t change your mind and adapt, you will hardly find new solutions.
And you? Do you have all these qualities or at least some of them? It is true, they all seem like qualities for a superhuman, but even if you do not reach the golden levels of maximum proactivity, they might help you improve.
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