GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

InitiativeIntroduction A sharp staff officer is a self-starter who doesn't--x Camp at the boss's door waiting to be told what to do.x Ask what to do next.x Seek detailed instructions.x Ask for solutions to problems he's capable of solving.Any self-starter gets things done without close hand-holding from his boss.StaffofficerinitiativeLevels ofinitiativeMG Perry Smith (USAF, Ret.) notes the value of initiative in a staff officer:Senior officials really appreciate staff officers who take initiatives,work out happy compromises, solve problems, and come up withinnovative solutions to tough problems. The staff officer who keepsthrowing the problem back to bosses, who offers to hold the bosses'coat while they fight a battle that the staff officer could have prevented,and who are problem creators rather than problem solvers normally fail.How much initiative should you take? Look at this graphic. Try at least tooperate at Level 3. This enables you to prepare completed staff work withoutdetailed instructions and close supervision. As you gain expertise, try tooperate at higher levels of initiative.Initiative StaircaseInfo !Info !Info !LEV E L 1 :LE V E L 2 :• As k whatto d o .• W ait until told w h a t to do.LEV E L 3 :LEV E L 4 :• A c t b u t tellboss at once.• Look in to the problem .• Develop alternatives .• Recommend a solution .LEV E L 5 :• A c t butupdateb o ss.Figure 2-2. Seize the initiativeNRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 2-6