Initiative is a very special thing. Many people may not feel the difference between being proactive and passive in their daily lives, but it does exist and is a very important aspect of social interaction.
Having the initiative can help a person gain more benefits in social interactions and better safeguard their own interests.
Just like at this moment, if Lance were to speak first, what could he say?
"What should I do?"
"What can I do?"
"How should I solve this problem?"
"How do you expect me to respond?"
No matter how he phrased it, he would be placed in a passive situation, becoming subordinate to Councilman Williams, and whatever he did next would essentially be following Councilman Williams' instructions.
If he succeeded, that would be expected; if he failed, then it would be his fault. This wouldn't be an equal relationship.
