Success Mantra: Take Initiative & Be Proactive

Today good enough is not good enough. You have to be an expert- the best in your area of expertise and subject. To gain a competitive edge, you need to put in that extra effort.

There are certain traits Companies are looking in their candidates today:

1. Perseverance

It is a difficult world out there. In order to survive this world, you need to take initiative and seize the opportunities that come your way. You need to be tough and go through the struggles effortlessly. As the famous poet Rumi put it, “If you resist every rub, how will you get polished”. You will need to look at problems as challenges and give your best shot at constantly inventing solutions. 

2. Proactivity

Normal is passé. Taking Initiative is the new thing. Companies are looking for candidates who can go that extra mile, make that extra effort and deliver instantly and successfully. In this technology rich superfast business world, you are not only competing with humans, but  also competing with machines and computers so you need to be super quick and come up with progressive problem solving and creative solutions to complex problems.

3. Go-Getter Approach

Life is a race and you have to be in it to win it. Corporates are looking for candidates with passion, devotion and loyalty towards their workplace. In these dynamic times, opportunities are plenty but to seize and realize them one needs to be driven from within. One needs to keep ones spirits high and be an eternal optimist and always remember that behind every calamity lies tremendous opportunity.

4. Creativity

Today, knowledge is available at the click of a button. We are literally carrying the world in our pockets so the need of the hour demands that we think different, invent unique, improvise and customize. Creativity is a greatly valued skill and creative people are always in demand. Being creative involves original improvisation and intuitive imagination. Be creative and you will get the edge that is needed to shine in this world. 

5. Team Player

Companies are looking for team players and team assets. The need of the hour is to align personal values, vision and mission with that of the teams and to align the teams with the companies. Working in teams is a part of every profile and good team players are always in demand. 

By:

Siddharth Anand

Faculty, INLEAD