Sua sponte is Latin for ‘of their own accord’ and refers to action taken without formal prompting. While the phrase is a term of art in the legal field (refers to a judge taking action in a case without being requested by either party), it is also the motto of the 75th Ranger Regiment of the United States Army and speaks to the Rangers creed for initiative and resourcefulness, the ability to do what it takes to get the job done.
Displaying intelligent initiative (v. being a loose cannon) is a career game changer; it will set you apart and mark you as a go-to person, destined for success far beyond the norm. While few may actually say the words ‘it’s not my job’, if you listen to the (non) behavior of all too many, that is what you hear.
As Stephen Covey said, “Employers and business leaders need people who can think for themselves – who can take initiative and be the solution to problems.”
In the final analysis, there is very little difference between people but that little difference makes a big difference. Intelligent initiative, artfully applied, is a little difference that makes a very big difference, compounding wonderfully over time.
Closing Quotes:
“A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.” – Banksy
“Initiative is to success what a lighted match is to a candle.” – Orlando Aloysius Battista, 1917-1995
“It’s not resources but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference.” – Tony Robbins, Unlimited Power, Awaken the Giant Within
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier