Decision Making/Problem Solving
Organization
(Focus & Organization, Time Utilization, Priority Focus)
Problem Anticipation
(Planning, Long Range Thinking)
Analytical Thinking
(Detail Orientation, Detailed Analysis)
Innovative Thinking
(Creativity)
Practical Problem Solving
(Practical Thinking, Common Sense, Realistic Thinking)
People Leadership
Assertiveness
(Ability to Take Charge, Willingness to Take Charge)
Tough-Mindedness
(Conflict Management, Holding Team Accountable)
Positive People Orientation
(People Relations)
Insight
(Interpersonal Insight)
Work Style
Drive & Energy
(Action Orientation, Stamina)
Self-Reliance
(Independent Initiative, Self-Motivation, Initiative)
Process Orientation
(Need for Structure, Acceptance of Authority, Rule Orientation)
Flexibility
(Multi-Tasking, Need for Diversion)
Results Focus
(Results Orientation)
Accommodation
(Service Orientation, Team Orientation)
Personal Characteristics
Self-Discipline
(Conscientiousness, Responsibility, Restraint)
Emotional Consistency
(Capacity to Handle Pressure, Stress Tolerance, Resilience)
Objectivity of Viewpoint
(Objectivity, Criticism Tolerance)
Confidence
(Self-Assuredness, Self-Confidence)
Learning Agility
Quantitative Reasoning
(Numeric Reasoning)
Navigating the Resources
- Read the information below about the trait to develop a greater understanding of your strength/opportunity.
- Consider the Stop, Start, Continue examples to create your own actionable change behaviors.
- Explore the trait more fully by taking advantage of the weblinks below.
Self Reliance
(Self Motivation, Independent Initiative)
Self-reliance measures the extent to which you show initiative and take ownership over your work. Use the resources below to explore information and behavioral strategies to improve your self-reliance.
Strength
Higher levels of self-reliance indicate you require little-to-no guidance to move projects forward, and you are internally motivated to complete tasks.
Opportunity
Lower levels of self-reliance indicate you may be overly dependent on others for advice and may not initiate action without direction.
Excess
Excessive levels of self-reliance indicate you may try to do too much alone and fail to utilize the strength of others effectively.
Identify an opportunity area that you would like to change. Then, develop behaviors that you can Stop (unhelpful or limiting behaviors), Start (behaviors that you can begin now), and Continue (behaviors that you already do well) to improve in this area. Use the examples below to help create your own Stop, Start, and Continue behaviors.
| Stop | Start | Continue |
| Allowing others to take ownership of projects. | Showing initiative by volunteering to own a particular project. | Offering your input when asked. |
| Waiting for others to get things done. | Seeking out an opportunity to contribute without explicit direction. | Tackling everyday challenges. |
| Relying on others to develop your action plan. | Attempting to complete and deliver a task fully without advice or guidance from others. | Seeking more responsibilities at work. |
Self Reliance Weblinks for Development:
The best way to advance your career: Take initiative
17 Tips on How to Take Initiative at Work
7 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Hard When You’re Really Not in the Mood
Self Reliance Leadership Weblinks for Development:
Taking Initiative: Making Things Happen in the Workplace