add: radiate intent

entries/radiate intent.md

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+---
+title: radiate intent
+permalink: intent
+date: 2023-07-24T12:02:27-07:00
+tags: leadership management
+---
+
+> It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.
+>
+> <br />— Grace Hopper[^1]
+
+[^1]:
+ This advice as quoted was popularized by all around badass Grace Hopper.
+ However various forms
+ [have been cited](https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/06/19/forgive/), back
+ as far as St. Benedict in 500 AD. Likely some form of it has existed as long
+ as there has been organized human society.
+
+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 larger problem solved?
+
+In this position you likely have the best information on the decision but may
+assume you need permission to incur the costs. If your higher-ups assume the
+same then analysis paralysis sets in and it's unlikely you'll hear anything new
+that changes your original assessment. 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.
+
+This is good advice 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 the decision
+_before_ you make it then radiate it, sharing it far and wide.
+
+![intent](../media/d952123032e51b0f.svg)
+
+With this frame in mind it becomes more clear that rather than shifting your ask
+from before until after you act, instead shift from asking to telling.
+
+Elizabeth Ayer, in her
+[excellent article](https://medium.com/@ElizAyer/dont-ask-forgiveness-radiate-intent-d36fd22393a3)
+on radiating intent explains why it's superior to asking forgiveness (or
+permission), which I've editorialized:
+
+- Invites participation from those with critical information or a desire to help
+- In case you're wrong, it gives a chance for someone to stop you _before_ hand
+- Leaves evidence of good faith action. Better to be seen as predictable than
+ underhanded.
+- Sets the example that bold action and taking risks is encouraged from
+ everyone, not just organizational higher-ups.
+- Keeps responsibility on the actor who owns the outcome good or bad. Doesn’t
+ transfer blame as seeking permission does.
+
+If it's a good idea, go ahead and do it. Own the outcome. _Radiate intent!_