What is an effective approach for a Staff Sergeant to address a soldier’s lack of initiative?

Implementing a development plan is an effective approach for a Staff Sergeant to address a soldier’s lack of initiative because it provides a structured and supportive framework for growth and improvement. A development plan is tailored to the individual soldier's needs and skill gaps, allowing them to develop specific goals and competencies at their own pace. This approach encourages the soldier to take ownership of their growth and fosters their motivation to succeed, ultimately enhancing their initiative.

Moreover, a development plan typically includes regular feedback and check-ins, which can help the soldier stay engaged and accountable. This supportive environment helps to build confidence and self-efficacy, making it more likely that the soldier will take the initiative in the future.

Other options may not foster a constructive environment for improvement. Publicly demonstrating a soldier's failure could lead to embarrassment and a decrease in morale, while ignoring the issue entirely allows the problem to persist without any attempts to resolve it. Assigning more challenging tasks without addressing the underlying lack of initiative could overwhelm the soldier and potentially lead to failure, rather than encouraging growth and development.