Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who doesn't take initiative
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
"Take more initiative" is impossible to act on because it means something different to everyone. Often the person has learned — from you or a previous boss — that acting without permission gets punished. You have to define the lane and make the first step safe.
How to open
"I want to talk about what happens when you finish a piece of work. Right now you wait for the next assignment, and I think you're capable of more than that. I'd like to figure out what's in the way."
Ask before you tell
- "When you finish something, what goes through your mind about what's next?"
- "Is there anything that makes it feel risky to just start?"
- "What decisions would you be comfortable making without checking with me?"
What to agree before you leave the room
A clear lane: "for X and Y, decide and tell me after." Then ask them to bring one proposal, not a question, to your next 1:1.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
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Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com