Being proactive

Proactive individuals demonstrate ownership and responsibility for their behaviour as they undertake various roles within group contexts. Adopting a proactive approach is one way of responding to the multitude of situations that confront individuals as they manage the various contexts of their lives. It is based on the belief that individuals have choices in the way that they can respond to all of life situations and that all choices bring with them an array of possible consequences (Glasser 1998; Covey 1989).

When individuals choose to accept responsibility, acknowledge ownership and demonstrate commitment they internalise the control of their behaviour and are empowered by this choice. They also acknowledge and accept responsibility for the consequences of their choice. When responsibility is abdicated to external factors, individuals become disempowered and reactive. Reactive behaviour is commonly evidenced when individuals choose to blame external factors, justify their actions, deny personal responsibility and not fulfil commitments. Reactive response choices in behaviour also have consequences for the individual and for others operating around them (Kemp & Piltz 1995).

Proactive individuals focus their energy on things that they are able to influence. When problems or issues arise when working in a group proactive individuals are clear on determining what they can do to influence the situation. This may include changing their behaviour, if the problem is in their direct control or else working on their communication methods of influence, if the problem is an indirect one that involves other people. Proactive people also acknowledge situations that are totally outside of their control and manage these by recognizing their responses choices when these events arise (Covey 1989). A group that is comprised of individuals who are aware of demonstrate proactive behaviour are more likely to work effectively because the ownership and responsibility for group collaboration is accepted at an individual level.

Covey, S 1989, The 7 habits of highly effective people, Simon & Schuster, New York.

Kemp, T. & Piltz, W 1995, Teaching personal responsibility through group adventure initiative tasks.  Journal of adventure Education & outdoor leadership. Vol 12,no 2, pp 23-26.

Glasser, W 1998,  Choice theory, Harper Perennial, New York