Be a proactive leader!

Dr. K. Kuhathasan, CEO Cenlead

According to Dr. Stephen Covey "proactivity is the power, freedom and ability to choose responses to whatever happens to us, based on our values." "Being proactive means taking personal responsibility for our own choices, actions and attitudes", he explains.

It pays to be proactive

Proactive people are a different breed. Proactive people:

1. Are not easily offended
2. Take responsibility for their choices
3. Think before they act
4. Bounce back when something bad happens
5. Always find a way to make it happen
6. Focus on things they can do something about, and don't worry about things they can't

On the other hand, reactive people

1. Are easily offended
2. Blames others
3. Get angry and say things they later regret
4. Grumble and complain
5. Wait for things to happen to them
6. Change only when they have to

* The proactive winner is always part of the answer

The reactive loser is always part of the problem

* The proactive winner always has a programme

The reactive loser always has an excuse

* The proactive winner says "let me do it for you"

The reactive loser says "That's not my job"

* The proactive winner sees an answer for every problems

The reactive loser sees a problem in every answer

* The proactive winner says "it is possible"

The reactive loser says "it is too difficult"

Proactive people always

1. Sets goals and targets on own initiative
2. Think of ways to make people more productive
3. On the move
4. Admits own mistakes
5. Prefers face to face rather than memos
6. Tolerant of open disagreement
7. Trust people
8. Delegates jobs including important ones
9. Spends as little time as possible with managers at same or higher level
10. Give credit to other people
11. Sees mistake as opportunities

On the other hand reactive people always

1. Waits for goals to be developed
2. Thinks of personal rewards, status, and glory
3. Stays in office
4. Blames other'; opens up inquires
5. Always demands it 'in writing'
6. Intolerant of disagreement
7. Trust only words and numbers on paper
8. Only passes on unmanageable work
9. Spends a lot of time buttering up senior managers
10. Takes the credit and complains about staff
11. Sees mistakes as offence

Proactive leaders always communicate positively examples

1. Let us look into that.
2. I was wrong.
3. I planned it and achieved results.
4. Yes, I will
5. I'll allocate time to achieve it.
6. I will win I will achieve.
7. Let's get to the point.
8. I'll take responsibility for it.
9. I have explained it well.
10. I'm Sorry, I made a mistake, I'll correct it.
11. I'm smart, but could be smarter.
12. Tell me.... I like to listen to you.
13. Let's us do it jointly I can learn a lot from them.
14. Let me explain.
15. What happens over there is my responsibility too.
16. There must be a better way.

Reactive people communicate in a negative fashion

1. No one knows anything about it.
2. It was his fault.
3. I never plan anything.
4. Yes,... well maybe...but...
5. I'm too busy. I have no time.
6. Well, it's hard to say exactly.
7. I promise to help.
8. You misunderstood me.
9. I have not done anything wrong.
10. I'm not as stupid as others. I know you.
11. You do it in your own way.
12. He thinks he knows everything.
13. Let me give you my excuse.
14. I only work in this section, not over there.
15. This is the way we've always done it.

Proactive leadership

Proactive leadership originates with proactive behaviour and optimistic outlook. Positive mental attitude generates self confidence and enthusiasm which are essential and indispensable for dynamic approach and determined efforts.

Such positive mental attitude generates self-confidence and determination. Your confidence in the ultimate success enables you to try, attempt and persevere in the face of set-backs and adverse circumstances.

As a proactive leader, you will always look at the brighter side of each event and as such you may be able to get the best out of the worst and may be able to turn and steer a defeat into victory. For a leader, a set back may act as a spur and a challenge to bring forth the best in him.

Proactive optimism, positive approach, a deep faith in a cause, a deep love in a given task are the forces that unify the conflicting forces around you and spur you to put in the necessary effort towards your goals.

Proactive positive frame of mind enables one to look at the brighter side of things. A positive-oriented person will have the ability to turn initial defeats into ultimate victories. He will consider what he gains with each successive experience and how he could turn it to his advantage.

Leaders endowed with proactive optimism radiates joy, friendliness, co-operation and warmth. They enjoy company and handwork in their chosen course of action. They work, with enthusiasm, thrill and enjoyment.

They may face setbacks and difficulties, but their positive approach will enable them to try over again, and press on, inspire of apparent failures and mishaps. In the end, their tenacity and perseverance will be rewarded with success.

Everything is possible

If you are positive minded you will always act with dynamism. You will firmly believe that "all is possible to him that believeth" and firmly act on that belief.

Positive thinking and optimistic outlook is fundamentally a matter of believing in a favour able future and being convinced of ultimate success in your efforts. It is having faith in yourself and compelling your ways to your goals by your sheer will-power and determination.

Even when confronted with obstacles and setbacks, the person with a positive slant of mind is not depressed or disheartened.

He forgets his failures and begins counting his assets or gains. Even if the worst has happened, he still looks for a silver-lining and attempts to get the best out of the worst. Positive outlook always breeds boldnes and courage. It makes you dashing, enterprising and adventurous.

As an optimist you may reflect blodness, display courage and take risks. You will be able to accept responsibility cheerfully and dare to try new ides, novel methods and untrodden paths. You will develop the courage to look for new opportunities and take on highly responsible assignments.

With a positive orientation you will be able to bring the best in others. You will develop immense faith in the good things that your team members are capable of. You will be free and warm in dealing with them. You will be generous with your members and become genuinely interested with those whom you come into contact.

Your optimism will help you to make full use of your opportunities and you will invariably lead and succeed.

The magic that works

It can thus be seen that proactive qualities, optimism and positive approach are essential and indispensable qualities for successful leadership. Positive thinking automatically imbibes one with confidence and enthusiasm. It enables him to visualise positive goals and definite objective and work for them with patience, perseverance and determination.

With positive attitude, you will gain enormous inner strength. You will be fortified with a strong will-power and sustained enthusiasm. A positive frame of mind stimulates you with tremendous courage and enables you to take reasonable risks with pluck and promptitude.

You will be able to take firm decisions without hesitation, vacillation and mental reservations. Proactive people are always winners! Be a proactive leader!