it’s always ideal for one to be focused in whatever activity they engage in without necessarily waiting around for someone to tell them what they are supposed to be doing.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Many employers have had to struggle managing employees who need constant and a close follow-up for them to be able to deliver on their duties as required.

But in an ultimate working environment, everyone should have responsibility to do what needs to be done without being asked, and this is all about being self-directed.

Self-directed employees recognise that their attitude and behaviour towards their job matters for their performance and reputation. They hence assume full responsibility for the tasks they take on and ensure completion with or without supervision.

This comes with an advantage.

In many organisations or companies, David Kwizera, an entrepreneur and owner of Citybuddiz-a tourism company says it’s now clear that employers are looking for employees who show initiative and self-direction by attending to their responsibilities.

Such employees are able and willing to take initiative, which means that they are able to initiate or look for ways to help and accomplish tasks without being told to by someone else.

Self-direction, according to studies implies the ability to work without the assistance of others. Kwizera believes that when an employee is self-directed, it is easier for them to grasp the skills and update their knowledge often.

Also, he says with such skills, it easier for someone to work with other people and in teams, as it builds their confidence.

"Being self-directed means that one is able to attend to their responsibilities, if such a person sees something that needs to be done, they are in position to carry on without being told or reminded to,” he says.

Vagne Muneza, a physical education teacher and referee says when you are self-directed; it helps build interest in everything you are doing.

He explains that this allows an individual to focus on things that they are most interested in which helps them progress faster in their careers.

In addition, Muneza says when you are self-directed; it means you are empowered in a way and willing to do things without supervision, "This shows the ability of an individual to pursue their interests, passions, and goals thus in the process, they get empowered,” he says.

Such individuals, he says are in a position to also encourage others in the organisation or around them to learn as well.

How to empower self-directed employees

According to different studies and surveys, the first step in teaching self-direction is to help employees figure out where they stand in relation to self-direction.

Taking a self-test is believed to help point to certain areas where they really need work and other areas where they are doing better. 

Also, it’s evident that finding strengths and weaknesses can rule out some approaches and support others so one avoids lots of trial and error.

The use of goal-setting is also vital as it encourages initiative, creates accountability, and fosters incentive in the form of internal satisfaction and external reward such as promotion or recognition.

Lastly, studies point out that journal keeping is also one way of helping one be self-directed as it helps collate ideas, record successes, and track progress.