1. If offended, take the initiative to clear it up.Stephen Covey (b.1932) U.S. writer and psychologist. Thirty Methods of Influence (1991)

 

2. Jelly-fish where their predecessors were masterful, they are slaves to their public relations departments.Tony Crosland (1918-77) British politician. Reflecting on the lack of initiative of British corporate managers. The Conservative Enemy (1956)

 

3. TWIMBLE: I play it the company wayWhere the company puts me, there I’ll stay.FINCH: But what is your point of view?TWIMBLE: I have no point of view,FINCH: Supposing the company thinks…TWIMBLE: I think so too!Frank Loesser (1910-69) U.S. composer, lyricist, and librettist. Song lyric. “The Company Way,” How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (1961)

 

4. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish writer and critic. Mrs Warren’s Profession (1893), Act 2

 

5. Brutally speaking, our scheme does not ask any initiative in a man. We do not care for his initiative.W. Taylor (1856-1915) U.S. engineer and author. The Principles of Scientific Management (1911)