Ask for no, don't ask for yes (2022)
Key takeaways
- I think it is important to have a bias for action.
- Note that this is based on my experience at small companies (< 200 employees) where a lot of my experience has been.
- When you have something you want to do and that you feel is in scope for your position, but you want a bit of reassurance or to let the boss know what you are up to, it s common to reach out and ask them for permission.
I think it is important to have a bias for action. Like anything else, this is something you can make a habit of. Moving forward allows you to make progress. I don t know about you, but I ve frozen up in the past not knowing what the right path was for me. Moving forward, even the smallest possible step, helped break that stasis.
One habit I like is to ask for no, not yes. Note that this is based on my experience at small companies (< 200 employees) where a lot of my experience has been. I m not sure how it d work in a big company, non-profit, or government.
When you have something you want to do and that you feel is in scope for your position, but you want a bit of reassurance or to let the boss know what you are up to, it s common to reach out and ask them for permission. Don t. Don t ask for a yes. Instead, offer a chance to say no, but with a deadline.