Initiative

At Level 2, initiative looks like consistent, proactive engagement. You take ownership of small problems before they escalate, suggest improvements without being prompted, and look for ways to reduce friction or add value across the team. You don't wait for perfect conditions or explicit permission—you take action, communicate clearly, and follow through.

Key Behaviors

  • Proactively improves team tools, docs, or workflows
  • Takes on small tasks that aren't owned by anyone yet
  • Flags risks or opportunities early, with suggestions
  • Asks to lead small improvements or experiments
  • Follows through reliably on volunteered initiatives

Common Struggles

  • May take on too much without checking alignment
  • Can jump into solutions before fully understanding the problem
  • Might act alone when collaboration would improve the outcome

Success Indicators

You know you're successful when you:

  • Take initiative within your team without needing close oversight
  • Spot and act on small issues before they become problems
  • Suggest and test ideas that improve the way the team works
  • Ask for feedback and adjust when needed

Mindset Shift

From:

"What can I fix?"

To:

"What would make this team more effective long-term?"

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Where does this problem keep recurring?
  • What bigger issue might this friction be pointing to?
  • Who else should be involved before I move forward?

Build These Habits

  • 1
    Share your intent before taking action
  • 2
    Look for patterns across feedback, bugs, or workflow issues
  • 3
    Debrief initiatives you led—what worked, what didn't, and why

Seek Feedback

  • "Did this improvement actually help the team?"
  • "What could I have done to get more buy-in?"
  • "Where should I have pulled others in earlier?"

Signals You're Ready to Level Up

  • You lead improvements that have lasting impact
  • Teammates ask for your input on process or tooling
  • You balance action with alignment and context

Focus Summary

  • Own problems
  • Offer solutions
  • Drive small wins

At Level 2, initiative becomes active contribution. You don't just step in—you step forward.