It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.
— Grace Hopper1
- This is classic advice when operating in a large organization. You see a problem to be solved, have a bold solution in mind, and have everything necessary to take action, but there will be very real costs felt broadly. You think the tradeoff is worth it, but will your higher-ups agree? Or will they simply blame you for the costs without appreciating the problem solved? + This is classic advice when operating in a large organization. There’s a problem to be solved, you have a bold solution in mind and have everything necessary to take action, but there will be very real costs felt broadly. You think the tradeoff is worth it, but will your higher-ups agree?
You likely have the best information on the decision but might assume you need permission to incur the costs. If your higher-ups assume the same then analysis paralysis sets in. If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. Grace Hopper encouraged a bias to action; to do the right thing for the org whether or not they know it to be. If you’re wrong or get flak for the costs: ask forgiveness; you acted in good faith. @@ -42,13 +41,10 @@ This good advice is missing one critical thing: radiating intent.
- While “forgiveness, not permission” considers what you’re asking, it says nothing about what you’re telling. If you anticipate needing to ask forgiveness after taking action then its best to get ahead of it by explaining the decision clearly immediately after you’ve made it. Even better, explain before you act then radiate it: share far and wide. -
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- With this in mind it becomes clear that rather than shifting from asking before to after you act, you should instead shift from asking to telling. Don’t seek permission, seek to inform. Radiating intent is telling what you will do before you do it. + Rather than shifting from permission before to forgiveness after, shift from asking permission to telling as many as you can about your intention. Radiating intent is telling what you will do before you do it loudly and clearly so that no one will be surprised.
Elizabeth Ayer, in her excellent article on radiating intent explains why it’s superior to asking forgiveness (which I’ve editorialized): @@ -56,12 +52,12 @@
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- Invites participation from those with critical info or desire to help + Invites participation from those with critical info or a desire to help.
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- If wrong it gives a chance for someone to stop you as you begin. You’re not left waiting as when asking permission. + If wrong it gives a chance for someone to stop you, however you’re not left waiting as when asking permission.
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@@ -89,7 +85,7 @@
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- Write it down. Start with a short description of what you intend to do, and why. Keep the bottom line at the top. Expand your thinking from there: document assumptions, options and trade-offs. This will help you communicate clearly, create a single source of truth, and avoid repeating yourself. + Write it down. Start with a short description of what you intend to do, and why. Don’t bury the lede. Expand your thinking from there: document assumptions, options and trade-offs. This will help you communicate clearly, create a single source of truth, and avoid repeating yourself.
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- Scale volume with impact. Radiating intent matters most when those around you will be impacted most. Share broader more frequently in situations that demand it, and narrower otherwise. + Scale volume with impact. Radiating intent matters most when those around you will be impacted most. Share broader and more frequently in situations that demand it, and narrower otherwise.
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