Proactive versus Reactive

What does it mean to be proactive or reactive? When I did a web search of these terms it was interesting to see that over one hundred thousand results came back. To me the terms are closely related, but what separates them is that being proactive requires a person or group to react before an event takes place. By evaluating the situation in front of them, predicting what may take place, and then taking the needed actions in advance a group increases their chances to acquire their desired results first. So how do proactive groups flourish in the face of chaos?

"Some people want it to happen, some people wish it could happen, others make it happen."

Michael Jordan

Proactive groups make things happen for themselves. Reactive groups have things happen to them. Which one do you want to be? Sometimes it is hard to see where you are in relation to the team you are working with, but everyone within a collaborative group works to maintain the capacity for reflection even in the “fog of change”. In times of stress and uncertainty remember to step back and ask "What’s really going on here?" Work to make sure that your group becomes fluid within the realm of change. This will allow you to see and be a part of change from as many angles as possible in order to stay ahead of the game.

Collaborative groups also know that part of being proactive is paying close attention to the pace of change. Individuals cannot adapt well to too many life changes at once. The same is true of organizations. It is important to remember that in the business world absorptive capacity theory reigns supreme. Pacing typically requires people to let their ideas and programs seep out a little at a time so they can be absorbed slowly enough to be tested and accepted. A collaborative group realizes they can only move as fast as its' slowest members and yes some may get lost in transition, but some casualties do not mean keep pushing your group to the speed of destruction.

Finally, a collaborative group continues to be proactive by having a keen eye focused on the future. They work to make their vision is more tangible, reminding people of the values they are fighting for, and showing them how the future might look. Once again, if you are able to think ahead about what you expect to see you will begin to become the change you have envisioned. While this transformation is in process there will always be setbacks and your group will need to assess their progress on a regular basis. Monitoring the level or lack of progress made over time will help others be willing to endure the hardships as long as they can see the big picture.

There will always be things in any groups cycle that they must react to, but by being proactive whenever possible there will be less left to chance over time. Collaborative groups that are proactive always seek for clarity in times of chaos. This will allow them to speed up or slow down in order to meet the actual speed of change while continuing to look for the future. So now I ask you- Do things happen to you or do you make things happen for you?