Proactive means having an eye for what needs to be done.

When you walk into a company, if you’re not keeping your eyes open for work, you’ll end up waiting to be assigned menial tasks. Those who are proactive will leverage the company’s resources to build something on their own.

They walk into the company and notice what software and hardware are available. They put those resources to use and build a DEMO to show the boss. “Look—if we roll out the prototype system I’ve built at scale, it could either create a product that generates revenue for the company, or save us money by streamlining our day-to-day technical operations.” If the boss is impressed, he’ll rally resources and hand them over to expand the prototype, then test it in the market. If it succeeds, the boss makes money, you gain experience, and you build leadership credibility by directing a team.

That’s exactly why the next time a manager role opens up, they might consider you. You won’t get promoted or see a salary bump if you don’t create opportunities. Sit around waiting for someone to assign you work and complain about being overworked—you’ll wait until you’re “graduated” at 35, and still won’t get anywhere.

This is what it means to take initiative.

In interpersonal relationships, long-term personal connections matter just as much.

Foreign enterprises lay off people every year. For your local branch—and your entire line of business—to survive, you need a reason. You have to generate projects yourself. You need the global headquarters to believe that keeping your Asia-Pacific division makes sense; otherwise, they’ll axe the entire line. Often, even when there are no projects, you must fabricate them. You have to constantly demonstrate to HQ that there’s profit potential, or they’ll cut you loose.

What you’ve done doesn’t matter as much as what you can still do.

Your ability to generate revenue for headquarters—that expectation has to be cultivated and maintained by you.