The film "Hidden Figures" (2016), which tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, is a powerful example of the quality of initiative. Initiative is the willingness to act, take responsibility, and forge new paths instead of waiting passively. The three protagonists demonstrate this quality by overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and asserting themselves in a NASA work environment shaped by prejudice. "Hidden Figures" (2016) tells the true story of three African American mathematicians who made decisive contributions to NASA and the U.S. space program in the 1960s.
A golden trajectory crosses a large orbit above a planet’s curve, marked by three dots – as in “Hidden Figures”.
Themes
Racism, gender inequality, and the importance of education and science.
Success
Production budget of $25 million, revenue of over $235 million, 3 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, plus a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Octavia Spencer.
Significance
Honors the often-overlooked contributions of African American women to the space program and fosters discussions about diversity and equality in the film industry.
"Hidden Figures" is an inspiring film about initiative, courage, and the fight for equality that is both historically and culturally significant.
01
Proactive Action
Situation
Katherine Johnson takes on a decisive role in calculating flight trajectories for the Mercury missions. She takes the initiative to make herself heard in a male-dominated and often hostile environment in order to advance her work.
Link to the quality
Initiative means actively seizing opportunities and solving problems instead of waiting passively. Katherine demonstrates this quality by acting independently and proving her abilities.
02
Overcoming Obstacles
Situation
All three women face systemic barriers, including discrimination based on gender and race. Despite these challenges, they find ways to successfully advance their work and make significant contributions.
Link to the quality
Initiative includes the ability to actively overcome obstacles. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary demonstrate this trait by refusing to be held back by the constraints of their time.
03
Personal Responsibility
Situation
Dorothy Vaughan recognizes that the introduction of IBM computers will replace manual calculation. She teaches herself to program and also teaches her team, to ensure they remain relevant.
Link to the quality
Initiative begins with personal responsibility. Dorothy's actions show how important it is to take responsibility for one's own development.
04
Courage to Seize Opportunities
Situation
Mary Jackson pursues training that would allow her to become an engineer, even though she has to fight in court to gain access to an all-white school.
Link to the quality
Initiative also requires the courage to seize opportunities, even when they carry risk. Mary's determination shows how initiative paves the way to new possibilities.
05
Role Model Effect
Situation
Through their initiative, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary inspire not only themselves but also other women and people of color to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
Link to the quality
Initiative can inspire others. The protagonists of "Hidden Figures" show how their actions serve as a role model and encourage others to become active as well.
06
Innovation through Initiative
Situation
Katherine Johnson's groundbreaking calculations and her ability to develop new methods contributed significantly to the success of NASA's missions. Her initiative made innovative solutions to complex problems possible.
Link to the quality
Initiative often leads to innovation. Katherine's bold thinking and action show how initiative can lead to major breakthroughs.
07
Long-Term Impact
Situation
The work of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary had not only short-term effects on NASA's missions but also a long-term impact, as it broke down prejudices and strengthened the role of women and people of color in science and technology.
Link to the quality
Initiative often has long-term and transformative effects. The protagonists of "Hidden Figures" show how their initiative overcame social barriers and had a lasting impact.
Key takeaways
Key lessons from "Hidden Figures" in connection with the quality of initiative
01
Proactive actionInitiative means actively seizing opportunities and taking action.
02
Overcoming obstaclesInitiative requires the ability to overcome barriers.
03
Personal responsibilityTaking responsibility for one's own development is a central part of initiative.
04
CourageInitiative requires seizing opportunities even when there are risks.
05
Role model effectInitiative inspires others and has a transformative effect.
06
InnovationInitiative often leads to creative and groundbreaking solutions.
07
Long-term impactInitiative can produce not only short-term but also lasting change.
Summary
The film "Hidden Figures" and the stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson are striking examples of the quality of initiative. Their courage, their determination, and their proactive action show how initiative overcomes obstacles, brings about change, and offers lasting inspiration. Their story teaches that initiative is the foundation of personal growth and social progress.
Back to the basics
Find out what is behind Initiative – with explanation, animation and the result from the study.
