take initiative
Start without prompting
To take initiative is to act without being told or prompted—to see what needs doing and do it.
The phrase emphasizes self-direction and proactive behavior: She took the initiative to organize the meeting when no one else would.
Someone who takes initiative doesn't wait for instructions or permission.
In workplace contexts, it's typically praised as a sign of leadership potential.
- proactiveActing before problems arise
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- step upIncrease or advance
- boldCourageous and daring
- driveOperate a vehicle
ambition · seize · seize the day · action · courage · strike first · start · get the ball rolling · enterprise · pioneer · blaze a trail · trailblaze · spark · catalyst · hustle · gumption · moxie · self-starter
- work ethicdiligence, hard worker, industriousness, go-getter, hard work
- accountabilityaccountability, responsibility, accountable, answerability, responsible
- motivational phrasesdream big, try harder, no excuses, overcome, improve
take initiativesit back
Relax without participating
do nothing · follow orders · wait and see · drag one's feet · hesitate
take initiativefollow the crowd
Adopt majority behavior
go with the flow · fall in line · defer · submit · comply
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, takeover, takeaway, intake