Describe the typical characteristics associated with a proactive personality.
Answer: People with a proactive personality identify opportunities, show initiative, take action, and persevere until meaningful change occurs, compared to others who passively react to situations. Proactives create positive change in their environment, regardless of, or even in spite of, constraints or obstacles. Not surprisingly, they have many desirable behaviors that organizations covet. They are more likely than others to be seen as leaders and to act as change agents. Proactive individuals are more likely to be satisfied with work and help others more with their tasks, largely because they build more relationships with others.
Proactives are also more likely to challenge the status quo or voice their displeasure when situations aren't to their liking. If an organization requires people with entrepreneurial initiative, proactives make good candidates; however, they're also more likely to leave an organization to start their own business. As individuals, proactives are more likely than others to achieve career success. They select, create, and influence work situations in their favor. They seek out job and organizational information, develop contacts in high places, engage in career planning, and demonstrate persistence in the face of career obstacles.