5 Tips On How To Be More Proactive At Work

In business, it is essential to choose your tasks wisely. How many times do you end up doing busy work and not get ahead? It’s because you are spending your time doing things that don’t matter. Learn how to identify your next step to get to where you want to go. What is your desired outcome? Today I will share with you how you can make the right decisions to stay on track.

I remember when I would get a call from an upset client, I would listen to the complaint before it became a more significant problem. I always would find a way to get a solution. I would prepare before visiting a client, before sending out a candidate to work. The worst thing to do is to leave things for the last minute, and that's when you start reacting when situations don’t turn out the way you expected.

How can you plan for such situations? I can tell you that if you don’t figure it out, you can expect to lose customers, have low employee morale and high turnover. Why is being proactive important? Because you get a greater sense of control, you reduce crisis and have a better-controlled schedule. Below I will share with you how to get from reactive to proactive and see your return on investment.

1. Prepare
How many times have you gone to a meeting and failed to prepare? It takes work to gather documents, notes, and information for the meeting. But, if you walk in thinking that you can wing it, that’s when you will get called on and you will not know the numbers for the previous quarter. Take the time to prepare and you won't have to react to anything that comes your way.

2. Create A Weekly Plan
Know what needs to be done the following week. Who are you going to call? Why are you calling? When are you going to call? Take the time to plan out your week the week before. It helps you stay organized, and you will accomplish your goals.

3. Document Progress
Have a notebook with you at all times. Write down what’s working and what’s not working. Every Sunday I sit down and write out my analysis for the prior week. What I accomplished and what didn’t work. I continually revise and celebrate all of my wins. Try it.

4. Manage Risks
Know what needs to be adjusted so that your risks are minimal. You don’t want a disaster to happen, if you have an employee that is causing you problems, take care of it right away. Don’t think that it will get better, it never does. Manage your risks.

5. Manage Your Team Monthly
How are your employees producing? Are they meeting their goals? Make sure to meet with each team member to know how to make the following month better. Keep a dynamic team environment, and you won’t run the risk of reacting to unexpected things coming up.

In summary, a stressful environment is usually a sign that you and your team are being reactive rather than proactive. Stay on track and keep preparing to be the best leader.


Until next week,

Coach Barb

Certified Career Coach


What would be possible if your team was proactive?