Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to take initiative at work. I used to believe that seeing a gap and stepping in to help was always a good thing—and in many ways, it still is. But over time, I’ve started to realise that helping without clarity can slowly blur boundaries. What begins as support can quietly turn into responsibility, and before I notice it, the task no longer feels temporary or shared.
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| When initiative turns into ownership, and silence becomes agreement. |
In a school environment, there are many moments where things need to be done quickly to avoid disruption. When no one steps forward, I often do—not because it is my duty, but because I care about quality, students, and outcomes. However, when others acknowledge a task but do not act, and I eventually complete it, the system learns something: “This is already taken care of.” Over time, that support becomes expected. Asking for help or clarity later can feel like shouting into the void, and raising concerns may unintentionally be seen as complaining, even when the intention is sustainability and fairness.
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| This journey is teaching me that initiative is not just about action—it is also about communication and boundaries. |
Helping once does not mean owning forever, and silence should not be mistaken for agreement. I am still learning how to support without absorbing, how to contribute without disappearing into invisible work. Growth, I realise, is not only about doing more, but also about learning when and how to pause, clarify, and protect the space needed to do my core work well.
Jeff
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