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What is Self-Direction?

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Self-direction is an ability and tendency to act without being told what to do. It's considered a soft skill that is a basis for leadership. It is also associated with productivity, research, creativity and decision making.

Why Self-Direction is Valuable

Organizational cultures differ widely in the amount of direction that is provided to employees. Where one firm will carefully control the actions of employees, another will expect employees to find their own direction. It can be difficult for employees to make the transition from a position that is carefully constrained to one that is more open-ended. As such, self direction is considered a key skill for many positions.
Overview: Self Direction
Type
Definition
An ability to act without direction.
Value
A cornerstone of leadership, productivity and creativity.
An essential skill for firms whose organizational culture expects employees to find their own solutions to problems and negotiate their own path.
Related Concepts

Soft Skills

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Business Acumen
Aesthetics
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Fluid Intelligence
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Intuition
Managing Expectations
Networking
Office Politics
Problem Framing
Reasoning
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Self Confidence
Showmanship
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