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- 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? + 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. + 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.
- This is good advice missing one critical thing: radiating intent. + This 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 the decision before you make it then radiate it, sharing it far and wide. + 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.
- 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. + 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.
- Elizabeth Ayer, in her excellent article on radiating intent explains why it’s superior to asking forgiveness (or permission), which I’ve editorialized: + Elizabeth Ayer, in her excellent article on radiating intent explains why it’s a superior approach (which I’ve editorialized):
- In case you’re wrong, it gives a chance for someone to stop you before hand + If you’re wrong, it gives a chance for someone to stop you before hand
- Sets the example that bold action and taking risks is encouraged from everyone, not just organizational higher-ups. + You keep responsibility and own the outcome, good or bad. Doesn’t transfer blame as seeking permission does.
- Keeps responsibility on the actor who owns the outcome good or bad. Doesn’t transfer blame as seeking permission does. + Sets the example that bold action and taking risks is encouraged from everyone, not just organizational higher-ups.
- If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. Own the outcome. Radiate intent! + If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. But loudly say what you are doing along the way. Radiate intent!