Initiative

Comparing Level 1 and Level 2

Level 1

Level 2

Description

At Level 1, initiative begins with showing up and stepping up. You complete assigned work reliably, and you start to spot small ways to contribute beyond your immediate tasks. You may not always act on ideas independently yet, but you're beginning to notice opportunities and build confidence in your voice. You don't need to lead the charge—you're learning how to raise your hand and take the first small step.

Description

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

  • •
    Completes tasks with consistency and care
  • •
    Asks for clarification when unsure
  • •
    Volunteers for small, well-scoped tasks
  • •
    Offers help when teammates are overloaded
  • •
    Brings up ideas or questions in meetings or retros

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 hesitate to act without explicit direction
  • Can overlook opportunities to help or improve
  • Might fear stepping on toes or getting it wrong

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

  • Handle your own responsibilities with reliability
  • Raise your hand for things that need doing
  • Bring energy, curiosity, and care to your work
  • Start spotting opportunities to make small improvements

Success Indicators

  • 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:

"I wait to be assigned work."

To:

"I look for ways to contribute and help."

Mindset Shift

From:

"What can I fix?"

To:

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

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • What's something I could fix or improve today?
  • Is anyone struggling with something I could support?
  • What's one small step I can take without needing permission?

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
    Keep a running list of ideas or annoyances you notice
  • 2
    Ask teammates, "What's something I could help move forward?"
  • 3
    Reflect weekly on where you added value without being asked

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

  • "Is there a better way I could've stepped in here?"
  • "What's something you appreciated that I did on my own?"
  • "Where could I be more proactive?"

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

  • Teammates trust you to take on new or ambiguous tasks
  • You're known for pitching in without needing to be asked
  • You see opportunities for action—and you take them

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

  • Show up
  • Speak up
  • Step in

At Level 1, initiative is a muscle—and every small rep counts. You don't need to have big ideas yet. Just start by looking around and asking, "What needs doing?"

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.