Personal initiative sparks innovation

Although innovation is often seen as a technological breakthrough and/or a startling new idea, it is also very much the act of an individual who has t riumphed over the status quo. This triumph requires personal initiative. Th ere are four common behaviors associated with successfully taking initiativ e: Asking questions in order To identify, problems and opportunities; teach ing oneself new skills, taking action; and aligning strong personal beliefs with the organization's values and goals. At the same time, there are acti ons that leaders can rake to encourage such personal initiative, including focusing more on the act of taking initiative than on the possible outcome.