Better ask for pardon …

… then beg for permission!

In out modern project world, things change fast, and you gotta make choices on the fly. The saying “better ask for forgiveness later than permission beforehand” can be challenging in these high-pressure moments. Let’s see why:

1. Catch the Opportunity Before It Zooms Past: Complex environments are full of surprises, like sudden market shifts or competitor attacks. Waiting for permission can make you miss your chance. By acting quickly and asking for forgiveness later, you can grab fleeting opportunities and stay ahead of the curve. Think of a rival launching a hot new product. Getting bogged down in approvals might cost you valuable time. A quick response could win you customers.

2. Spark Innovation and Agility: Being afraid of getting yelled at can stifle creativity. If you can act fast and explain later, it gives your team the freedom to try new things without getting stuck in permission paralysis. This can lead to innovation, a must-have in complex situations where problems are constantly changing. Imagine a startup racing to develop a groundbreaking app. The ability to move fast and learn from real users, even if it means a quick apology later, can be a game-changer.

3. Boost Team Spirit and Ownership: Complex situations need teams to feel like they’re in control. When teams can make quick decisions and learn from them, they feel responsible and motivated. Taking action, even if they need to explain it later, can be more engaging than waiting for the green light.

But hold on, there’s a catch! “Act now, explain later” isn’t a license to go wild:

• Know the Rules of the Road: Teams need to understand when it’s okay to act first and apologize later. They should know what kind of situations call for a quick response. Clear communication is key!
• Learn from Every Move: Just saying “sorry” isn’t enough. After taking action, discuss why you did it, what happened, and how to do better next time. This learning helps the team get better at making quick decisions in the future complex situations.

See also:

Do-ocracy