We talked in rehearsal today about the skill of initiative, in the context of working our way through John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success.
One of my students succinctly defined it as, “Doing things without being told to do them.” (He also said his mom is often telling him to find more initiative.)
Initiative, indeed, is a massively important skill. Whether it’s in the context of studying for school, pursuing a career opportunity, or just finding time to take care of that little home project, initiative is essential to growth and success.
It’s also systematically taught out of us. We are taught to keep our heads down, to do what we’re told, to not go above and beyond. To paraphrase Cinderella’s prince in Into the Woods, we are raised to be obedient, not show initiative.
It’s because initiative is so often paired with failure – when we go for the bigger challenge, we’re more likely to fall – and look foolish doing it. Schools are not built to encourage the kind of falls that lead to bigger successes down the road.
There was a time when obedience would be enough – you could have a good career just keeping your head down, not showing initiative. That time is largely past, and my students will need to develop this skill if they want to shine beyond school walls.
They also need it to shine in an ensemble. If each member doesn’t show the initiative to work on getting better, to show up on time and ready to work, to fix what’s wrong before they’re told, then the ensemble can’t soar.