Today, I had a few realization that just set me back.  And it all stems from a simple question which is, am I responsible?  It begs the bigger question, what are you responsible for?

Take for instance a developer?  Let’s say work is going slow and you don’t have a lot of defined projects coming down the pipeline.  What are your responsibilities?   Should you just sit back and complain that you don’t have a project coming?  Or, should you test the product a little?  Get to know the product a little better so you can better understand why the business is moving in a given direction.  I have been involved in a few companies and I know that they are not unique by saying that there is always something to do!  There are probably over 50 “bugs” sitting, waiting to be completed in our bug system.  Yeah, they may not be sexy, or well defined.  Heck, they most likely aren’t even a bug, but they should be addressed.  As a developer, take responsibility and do those “bugs”!

Let’s say you are a sales rep.  Let’s say you are new to the company.  I understand that you would probably be more productive if you were trained but really, is it someone’s responsibility to spoon feed you?  Why not jump out on the companies web site and learn what you are to be selling.  Why not gather a group of questions and ask them instead of waiting for you hand to be held!

If you cannot tell, I feel EVERYONE needs to be a little more proactive.  They need to seek out their work.  They need to take the bull by the horns and get it done!