initiative

An individual's action that begins a process, often done without direct managerial influence. For example, an employee might take the initiative to come up with a new product or service that the company could offer.

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Usage Example

President Nixon got the ball rolling in 1969 when he established the Office of Minority Business, or OBME, as part of his initiative to spur the growth of minority capitalism.
Source: Government Aide for Minority Small Business Owners