take the initiative

Meaning

To take action or make decisions independently before others do, or without waiting to be told what to do. It is highly valued in business as it demonstrates leadership, proactivity, and problem-solving skills.

Examples

• She took the initiative and resolved the customer's issue before it escalated.

  She took the initiative and resolved the customer's issue before it escalated.

• To get promoted in this company, you need to take the initiative on new projects.

  To get promoted in this company, you need to take the initiative on new projects.

• Instead of waiting for instructions, he took the initiative to organize the files.

  Instead of waiting for instructions, he took the initiative to organize the files.

• We appreciate employees who take the initiative to improve our internal processes.

  We appreciate employees who take the initiative to improve our internal processes.

• I decided to take the initiative and contact the prospective client directly.

  I decided to take the initiative and contact the prospective client directly.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He made the initiative to start the meeting.

  ✓ He took the initiative to start the meeting.

  The verb 'take' is collocated with 'initiative'. You 'take' an initiative, you do not 'make' it.

• ✗ You should take initiative of writing the report.

  ✓ You should take the initiative to write the report.

  Use the infinitive 'to write' after 'take the initiative', not 'of writing'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The manager was impressed when Sarah decided to ___ and fix the software bug.

  💡 Act without being asked.

  Show answer

  take the initiative

• If you want to close more sales, you need to ___ and follow up with leads.

  💡 Be proactive.

  Show answer

  take the initiative