Take the Initiative or Pause?

You have probably heard the saying "Never volunteer for anything." It’s a well-known phrase in military culture. But like most sayings, it’s only partially true and heavily depends on context. The saying has some historical roots. In basic training, volunteering could mean being assigned to unpleasant, tedious, or even risky duties. There is also a power dynamic. Junior members often lack sufficient insight into their volunteer roles, making them vulnerable to exploitation. But even in the military, the phrase does not mean “never take initiative.” It means: “Don’t volunteer blindly for unknown tasks. Ask questions first.”

Today, well-meaning supervisors sometimes suggest to newer employees that they should never volunteer for anything. Others argue that everyone should always volunteer. Neither point is always correct. There are times when it is smart for an employee to take the initiative, and there are times when a pause and a few questions are more appropriate.

When you should volunteer or take the initiative:

Career development opportunities

• Special training or advanced schools that will help your career.

• Any training or assignment that can fast-track promotion or open up unique career paths.

Leadership roles that enhance reputation

• Assignments, community events, or situations that allow you to demonstrate your leadership potential.

• Such initiative can help future career growth (and is sometimes reflected in performance evaluation ratings).

• The task volunteered for may allow your supervisors to see leadership potential that they would not otherwise see from your normal duties.

Tasks that align with your strengths

• If you are good at something (public speaking, certain investigations, etc.), volunteering for related assignments can build a positive reputation.

When you trust your chain of command

• In well-led organizations, volunteering can be a way to distinguish yourself in a controlled and fair environment.

To build visibility in a positive way

• Volunteer for high-impact, visible tasks that align with your skills.

To develop skills or grow your role

• Say yes to tasks that help you build new experience or prepare for promotion.

To solve a known problem

• Taking the initiative to identify and help solve a problem shows creativity, teamwork, and leadership.

To demonstrate commitment or work ethic

• Taking initiative signals that you are engaged and invested in the team.

• Demonstrates a positive attitude.

When others are reluctant or avoid responsibility

• If you can do the job well, stepping up makes you stand out.

• Doing what is needed and not just what is required is the hallmark of a committed employee with leadership potential.

When you should pause, think, and ask questions before taking the initiative:

When you are already overloaded

• Do not volunteer for more than you can handle. Doing a poor job because you volunteered for too much can hurt your reputation.

When the task has no clear value

• Avoid volunteering for meaningless or “thankless” tasks unless there is a strategic reason (like relationship-building).

When you have repeatedly volunteered while others sit idle

• If your supervisor consistently expects you to volunteer while others do little or nothing, it may be time to hit the pause button. Conflict-avoidant supervisors sometimes rely too heavily on their best employees to avoid dealing with their problem employees.

When you lack the skills

• Don’t volunteer for things way outside your lane unless you are clear that it is a learning opportunity.

When you don't know what you’re volunteering for

• Always ask: What exactly does this involve? before stepping forward.

TIP: The saying “Never volunteer for anything” is a caution, not a rule. The smart move is to pause and ask questions. Weigh the risks and rewards. Volunteer or take the initiative when it supports your goals, reputation, or skills, or when it solves a real problem.