What is initiative? My friends at FOCUS advocate for it a lot. They also practice it. Initiative can be defined as “an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation.”

So for years, I have been thinking about how best to train others to become better at foresight. Some people seem to embrace it. Others seem to flounder. I do think it can be taught or at least modeled. How do we move from “man, I did it again!” moments to “yes, I finally realize what needs to happen” moments? Less regret. Less wandering aimlessly. More proactive thinking. More effective and efficient work. Seems like a reasonable if not acceptable desire.

I do not have all the answers but I do have one possible method.

The German Washing Machine!

Here is the scenario:
Have someone live on the 4th or 5th floor of an apartment building. No elevator. Washing machine in the basement. Not just a washing machine but a German washing machine. Now ask your teammate (or wife with a toddler by her side) how to work said German washing machine. Walk down to the basement.

Oops forgot the coins. Go back upstairs.

Walk down to the basement again. Yep actually forgot the laundry detergent. Go back upstairs.

Walk down to the basement again. Put in coins. Put in laundry detergent. Load German washing machine. Push the buttons and turn the knob. So easy even a baby could do it.

Nothing happens. Literally nothing.

So try to call teammate (or wife) on cell phone to ask how to get it to work. Wait. I am in the basement and the phone does not work down here. Go back upstairs.

Ask for clarity. Simply just restate what was said earlier. A local has already modeled this process for your teammate (or wife).

Walk down to the basement again. Put in coins. Put in laundry detergent. Load German washing machine. Push the buttons and turn the knob.

Nothing happens again. Literally nothing again. Go back upstairs.

Ask teammate (or wife) again how to work German washing machine. Are you sure that is correct? Only ONE button pushed to get it started. You are assured.

Walk down to the basement again. German washing machine still not working.

Pull out Google translate on iphone. Nothing helps.

Start pushing other buttons. Nothing.

Notice that the other German washing machine has TWO buttons pushed. Try that method.

BAM! WOW! POW! It starts.

After about 4 or 5 trips up and down 4 or 5 flights of stairs and about 30-45 minutes of my life, the German washing machine has started.

Now only 1 hour until back down to the basement for the German dryer.

As my good friend A.I. says, “We talking about practice!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI