Use your “I & R,” your initiative and resourcefulness.*

Initiative: An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins.

Resourcefulness: Able to meet situations; capable of devising ways and means.

Mine is a growing company, which means every time we grow I’m leading a larger company than I ever have before. I’m stepping forward into unexplored territory, into the unknown. I find it exciting and extremely invigorating. It also means that I occasionally hand out assignments where I can see the mountaintop––the desired result––but I have only a general idea of the path, of the “how to” of how to get there.

So if I’m asked how to do it, I reply, “Use your I&R.” The phrase has been come a mantra at The Collier Companies, a reminder of the strengths and skills that we all have within us. I am often wonderfully surprised at the quality and creativity of the end product. Give good people leeway and you will be astonished at the result.

*I am indebted to Stephen R. Covey and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” for this phrase.

This is a classic from the NSC Blog archive, originally posted July 17, 2008.