personal initiative
[/ˈpɜːrsənəl ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/]
nounpl: personal initiatives
iniciativa pessoal
1. The ability and willingness to take action independently without being told or asked; self-driven action taken on one's own responsibility
She showed great personal initiative by organizing the community project without waiting for approval.
Ela demonstrou grande iniciativa pessoal ao organizar o projeto comunitário sem esperar aprovação.
2. An individual effort or enterprise undertaken by one person acting independently
Through personal initiative, he built his business from scratch.
Através da iniciativa pessoal, ele construiu seu negócio do zero.
3. The capacity to assess and initiate things independently without external prompting
The company values employees who demonstrate personal initiative in solving problems.
A empresa valoriza funcionários que demonstram iniciativa pessoal na resolução de problemas.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, personal initiative is highly valued as a positive trait. In Brazil, it reflects the concept of 'jogo de cintura' (adaptability) and entrepreneurial spirit. Americans often reward self-starters and those who 'go the extra mile' without being asked. In Portugal, the term emphasizes personal responsibility and autonomous decision-making. This concept is central to modern workplace expectations across all three markets.
NYC Slang
hustle; taking the initiative; going the extra mile
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