One of my favorite activities with our leadership team is participating in our book club. It’s not only a great way to continue growing professionally, but also a meaningful opportunity to connect with one another through discussion and reflection on the ideas that resonate most with each of us.
We are currently reading The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven. In Chapter 7, titled “Sua Sponte,” Admiral McRaven recounts the dedication of a building named in honor of his friend, Lieutenant Commander Moki Martin. As Martin, who was in a wheelchair, approached the microphone to speak, it became obvious the microphone had not been positioned correctly. Admiral McRaven realized that, for Martin to be heard, someone would need to cross in front of the assembled dignitaries and adjust it. Before he could act, a young SEAL stepped out of formation, walked past the attendees, and repositioned the microphone. After the ceremony, Admiral McRaven thanked the SEAL for his quick thinking. The young man replied, “Sir, something had to be done and no one else was doing it. So, I thought it was up to me.”
I used this chapter’s title as the theme of our last leadership retreat. Sua Sponte is a Latin term that means, “Of his, her, or its own accord.” In other words, taking initiative. Doing the right thing without being told. We all understand the importance of initiative. It shows a person’s ability to act independently, take charge, and create positive change without being told what to do. It drives progress, encourages growth, builds trust and credibility, and inspires others.
At the retreat, I posed this question to the team:
“How do we create and sustain a culture where taking initiative is the norm?”
Here are some of the strategies we came up with:
- Lead by example – Share stories where taking initiative led to meaningful outcomes.
- Encourage autonomy – Trust people to make decisions and act independently.
- Recognize and reward initiative – Publicly celebrate proactive behavior.
- Create psychological safety – Support efforts, even when they aren’t successful.
- Provide purpose and clarity – Help people understand the “why” behind their actions.
- Foster curiosity – Ask questions like, “How might we improve this?”
- Make space for ideas – Hold regular brainstorming sessions and encourage experimentation.
Creating a culture where initiative is the norm starts with a mindset shift—from “someone should” to “I got this.” It’s about helping people at every level recognize what needs to be done and giving them the confidence to act. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to lead by example, inspire proactive behavior in others, and create systems that make taking initiative the norm. When we do, we don’t just get more done—we build teams that are engaged, resilient, and ready to lead from wherever they stand. Sua Sponte isn’t just a phrase; it’s a call to action. Let’s answer it!