General:
* An initiative is a planned effort to achieve a specific goal or objective. (Simple and comprehensive)
* An initiative is a strategic undertaking designed to improve performance, address a challenge, or seize an opportunity. (Highlights strategic nature)
More focused:
* An initiative is a focused, time-bound project that aims to bring about a specific change. (Emphasizes time-bound nature and tangible change)
* An initiative is a coordinated set of activities undertaken to implement a new strategy or solve a problem. (Highlights coordination and problem-solving)
Examples:
* "The company's new sustainability initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 20% within the next five years." (Specific goal and timeline)
* "The marketing team launched an initiative to increase brand awareness through social media campaigns." (Specific area of focus and action)
Ultimately, the best description of an initiative will depend on the specific context and the audience you are communicating with.