At AskElephant, we know that when teams take initiative, they unlock growth—for themselves, their colleagues, and the entire organization.

In today’s fast-moving business world, the difference between good and great organizations often comes down to culture. At AskElephant, we’ve learned that the real engine of growth isn’t just hard work—it’s the ability to consistently take initiative. This mindset doesn’t just drive our own success. It’s a standard we believe every high-performing team should embrace.

The Real Difference: Work vs. Initiatives

Every company relies on people who do their jobs well. These are the team members who show up, deliver on their responsibilities, and keep the business running. But in our experience, the teams that truly excel are those where individuals regularly go beyond their job descriptions. They take on initiatives—projects, improvements, and experiments that aren’t required, but make a meaningful difference.

Work is what’s expected.

Initiatives are what set teams apart.

Why Initiatives Matter for Your Business

Initiatives are the source of compounding growth. When team members are empowered to spot problems, propose solutions, and act on new ideas, the results multiply over time. This culture of ownership and proactive problem-solving leads to:

• Faster innovation and adaptability

• Higher employee engagement and retention

• Stronger customer outcomes

• A reputation for excellence in your market

How We Set the Standard at AskElephant

We’ve made initiatives a core part of our DNA. Here’s how we do it—and how you can apply these principles in your own organization:

1. Initiative is Expected, Not Optional

We encourage everyone to look for ways to improve processes, products, and customer experiences. If something can be better, we don’t wait for permission to act.

2. Feedback is a Two-Way Street

We foster open, honest feedback at every level. This helps us learn quickly, avoid blind spots, and keep raising the bar.

3. Experimentation is Safe

Not every initiative will succeed, and that’s okay. We value learning and iteration over perfection.

4. Celebrate and Share Wins

When someone takes initiative and it pays off, we make it visible. This inspires others and builds momentum.

What Can Leaders and Teams Do?

If you want to build a culture of compounding growth, here are some actionable steps:

• Empower your team: Give people the autonomy to own projects and make decisions.

• Recognize initiative: Celebrate those who go above and beyond, not just those who meet expectations.

• Encourage cross-functional projects: Break down silos and let people collaborate on new ideas.

• Make feedback routine: Normalize giving and receiving feedback as a tool for growth.

• Model the behavior: Leaders should set the example by taking initiative themselves.

  
  

In a world where change is constant, the organizations that thrive are those where initiative is part of the culture. At AskElephant, we’ve seen how this approach leads to better products, happier customers, and stronger teams. We believe any company can benefit from setting this standard.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide.