Taking Initiative
I was a few months into my role as an Assistant Project Manager when I started noticing an issue on a small commercial fit-out project. Every time we received updated drawings from the architect, coordination between trades slowed down. It’s one of those common gaps where communication was lacking.
I didn’t have “fix drawing documentation and rollout” written explicitly in my job description. No one came to me and asked me to get involved. But I knew if I waited around for someone else to solve it, nothing would change. So, I pulled some extra hours to fully update our drawings log, shared it with the team, and offered to manage the updates moving forward.
Nobody threw me a parade (unfortunately). But my Senior Project Manager and General Superintendent noticed. A few months later, when a bigger issue came up, they came to me first. They knew I would be willing to take on a challenge and figure it out.
Initiative Will Open More Doors Than Talent
If there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over again in this industry, it’s that the people who take initiative tend to stand out. They are often tapped for opportunities. They earn trust with their leaders, and over time, they become the go-to person.
And it’s not because they have all the answers — it’s because they’re willing to try before being told.
The 5 Levels of Initiative
There’s a simple framework that changed how I think about taking initiative. It's called the Five Levels of Initiative, and it goes like this:
Wait Until Told
You do nothing until someone tells you exactly what to do. (Spoiler: This level won’t get you very far.)Ask What to Do
You seek direction, better than waiting, but you are still passive.Recommend and Wait for Approval
You say, “Here’s what I think we should do,” and wait for the green light. This is where people begin to take the initiative.Act and Report Immediately
You take action and then let your manager know what you did. This is how trust is built. Especially if you’re doing the right things at the right time.A key note here: make sure you use the critical thinking piece of your brain, so you don’t end up setting yourself back.
Act and Report Periodically
You’re fully trusted. You take the lead and check in as needed. You don’t need constant supervision because you’ve earned the rope to run with things.
Where do you think you’re operating most of the time? Be honest with yourself.
Start Small. Stay Consistent.
Taking initiative doesn’t mean just running wild trying to get things done, but ultimately running in the wrong direction. It’s about paying attention, being thoughtful, and stepping up when something needs to be done.
See a recurring issue? Offer a solution.
Hear someone struggling? Ask how you can help.
Don’t understand something? Take the first stab at figuring it out before you ask.
Managers notice that. Leaders notice that. That’s how you earn the right to take on more.
Final Thought
You don’t have to wait until you have a title to start leading. Start by taking initiative — the kind that makes other people’s jobs easier, not harder. Do it consistently, humbly, and with purpose. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you build your reputation. And that’s how you build your career.
Keep pushing boundaries, keep learning, and keep building.
- Fulton
If you want to schedule a meeting with me to learn more about Well Built and how we help construction leaders grow stronger teams, book a meeting here: https://calendly.com/fcure-wellbuiltconsulting/wb-get-to-know-you-call
