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The Global Insight

What are some examples of initiative?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on April 08, 2026

Examples of using initiative: Preparing in advance for job interviews. Offering to take on an extra task at work, college, school or in the home. Taking on a new hobby or interest. Doing something you know is good for you, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.

What is initiative in problem solving?

According to the dictionary definition, then, initiative is: The ability to assess and initiate things independently. The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do. An act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.

What is problem solving method with example?

Problem solving is a highly sought-after skill. There are many techniques to problem solving. Examples include trial and error, difference reduction, means-ends analysis, working backwards, and analogies.

What are some good problem solving skills?

Problem-solving abilities are connected to a number of other skills, including:

  • analytical skills.
  • innovative and creative thinking.
  • a lateral mindset.
  • adaptability and flexibility.
  • level-headedness.
  • initiative.
  • resilience (in order to reassess when your first idea doesn’t work)

Which is the best example of problem solving?

As the employer wants to assess your problem-solving skills, they may ask you to outline a situation where something went wrong and what happened. This could be an example of a time when you faced something unexpected, or you were approached by a client about a concern.

What are the steps in the problem solving process?

Without suitable processes in place, your solutions may fail or they could even create additional problems. A good problem-solving process involves four fundamental stages: problem definition, devising alternatives, evaluating alternatives and then implementing the most viable solutions.

When to ask for an example of initiative?

When initiative is asked about in the form of a typical competency-based question – for example, ‘Give me an example of a time when you used your initiative’ – an interviewer might be interested in the following: Are you a self-starter?

What is the definition of problem solving skills?

Problem-solving is the ability to use appropriate methods to tackle unexpected challenges in an organized manner. Recent studies on employability skills suggest that problem-solving skills consist of two main components: