Four Pitfalls of Being Proactive
Odds are you’ve never considered that being proactive could have its drawbacks, right? Afterall, we think of proactivity as a keen leadership skill to be applauded and emphasized on your resume. So how could proactivity ever be seen as a negative?
As an executive coach, I spend lots of time helping my clients see perspectives that they might have otherwise missed. Getting a fresh angle on things can open you to a vastly more expansive experience and ultimately more positive outcomes.
With that in mind, I'd like to offer four potential pitfalls of being proactive.
1 Proactive people can be overwhelming and demotivating to others. For those who move at a slower pace, proactive types tend to come across as pushy and not understanding. Not everyone can keep up with the proactive leader, yet that leader is likely to believe that they can and should. Often, I hear proactive leaders talk about being disappointed by their people not keeping up. This usually implies that the leader has set a bar that is too high for others to succeed. The majority of people likely don’t work at your pace if you’re proactive, nor should they. Understanding others' pace helps you to recognize where someone’s skills can best be applied, allowing them to thrive.
2 Proactive people can sometimes act as if they’re the most valuable people in a group. But the truth is, not all scenarios call for proactivity at all. Sometimes people who go slower are exactly what is required to get the job done right. Placing people in the jobs that meet their natural speed ensures fewer mistakes and accidents. Consider a fork-life driver. Speed is not a priority and could certainly create more liability.
3 Proactive types can often make every situation feel like an emergency, creating loads more stress within the organization than is warranted. What really needs to get done and by when? Be willing to prioritize the workload and communicate clearly with others so that they can deliver results, in a reasonable and timely manner. Don’t be the source of undue stress because of your own, personal drive to finish first. We’ve got far too much anxiety in our world as is.
4 Sometimes, proactive people have brilliant ideas but struggle to see how to execute on them. And let’s face it, there is no prize for the fastest to the finish line. The real prize goes to the one who delivers the highest quality work. Quality tends to suffer when speed is involved. That’s when other, more methodical thinkers become the MVPs.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not bashing proactivity. I’ve been a quick-to-the starting block producer most of my life. I can churn out massive amounts of ideas and work in a matter of hours when inspired. It wasn’t until recently that I came to realize that my way isn’t the right way or the only way. Truth is, there is no right way. Having appreciation for diverse styles of approaching work matters.
We need to value all kinds.
Shifting your perspective is the start of remarkable, new growth and joyful experiences.
If you’d like to have a taste of what I mean, reach out HERE. One of my favorite things is giving complimentary sessions to those truly interested in taking their careers and lives to a new level. My calendar is getting full so grab your spot today.