It is very often possible to hear expression "the initiative is punishable" which in fact calls for refusal of own original ideas and decisions. But what is specifically meant by this phrase and what its origin?
Why it is told "the initiative is punishable"?
As it quite often happens to widespread sayings, in the original form phraseto looked a little differently, namely "in army the initiative is punishable". Expression appeared among the military personnel and meant that any initiative shown younger on a rank leads to the fact that he will be forced to be engaged in its realization and also will bear all responsibility for possible failure. On the other hand, he, most likely, will not receive any encouragement even if the idea really will be practically useful. For this reason many recruits try "not to lean out" once again not to draw to themselves attention of the administration as their initiative can complicate service much more: much more simply quietly to obey the orders. Besides, in army traditionally dislike the people showing outstanding intellectual qualities, especially if they are younger on a rank.
Whether it is worth risking in usual life?
However in the ordinary world expression "the initiative is punishable" became justification of inaction of the people not capable to offer nothing new. Of course, both at office, and at the enterprise the responsibility for implementation of new offers, as a rule, lays down on their author, but unlike the armed forces interested in preservation and maintenance of an order and traditions, business enterprises appreciate the original ideas allowing to save money, time or to increase reliability level much more.
Many commercial organizations are in every possible way welcomed and encourage initiative workers. If you are interested in advance on a career ladder, then without own original ideas not to manage.
Therefore "the initiative is punishable by justification" those who do not want or are afraid of a burden of responsibility use, does not wish to burden himself with new tasks and in general to expand a field of activity, preferring to act in strict accordance with duty regulations even if and noticing obvious errors. In modern office world there are a little people ready to take the responsibility for failures, to risk, to show an initiative, not afraid failures and punishments.
At the time of the Soviet Union at the enterprises of the industry and production the people who were engaged in rationalization activity were highly appreciated. The introduced rationalization proposals were noted by diplomas and awards.
The others consider it not to be beyond more expedient the direct duties, being covered with the fact that, as they say, "the initiative is punishable".