You manage things, you lead people. We went overboard on management and forgot about leadership.
Grace HopperRead
It's always easier to apologize for something you've already done than to get approval for it in advance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's simpler to seek forgiveness for past actions than to ask for permission beforehand.
This quote by Grace Hopper highlights the often complex dynamics of decision-making and accountability in leadership. It suggests that taking initiative and acting decisively can sometimes lead to regrets, but it is more practical to repair and apologize for mistakes than to navigate the sometimes tedious process of seeking prior approvals or permissions from others, which can stifle innovation and decisiveness.
Themes
DecisionsLeadershipActionForgivenessInitiative
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting where innovative ideas are presented, you might say this quote to encourage risk-taking.
More from Grace Hopper
All quotes βIf you do something once, people will call it an accident. If you do it twice, they call it a coincidence. But do it a third time and you've just proven a natural law!
Grace HopperRead
Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. _x000D_ _x000D_ Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew.
Grace HopperRead
It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
Grace HopperRead
I've always been more interested in the future than in the past.
Grace HopperRead
I've received many honors and I'm grateful for them; but I've already received the highest award I'll ever receive, and that has been the privilege and honor of serving very proudly in the United States Navy.
Grace HopperRead
Similar quotes
When I took the oath of office, I pledged loyalty to only one special interest group - βWe the peopleβ.
Ronald ReaganRead
It's time for male leaders to not only ask for binders of qualified women, but to re-write the definition of 'qualified.' The best man for the job, may in fact, be a woman, whose biography is not traditional, but is rich with experiences and skills that are not necessarily learned either in school or on the job.
Madeleine M. KuninRead
Whenever Roosevelt (Theodore) expected a visitor, he sat up late the night before, reading up on the subject in which he knew his guest was particularly interested. For Roosevelt knew, all the leaders royal road to a person's heart is to talk about the things he or she treasures most.
Dale CarnegieRead
There are times when leadership needs to take a bold move forward. And there are times when the leadership needs to act on the basis of what the grass roots say. You need to have your political thermometer constantly in the political waters to know when to give leadership in what way.
Cyril RamaphosaRead
Union can achieve everything when sustained by gallant hearts and correct principles, while anarchy and insubordination must fail in the achievement of every thing beneficial and glorious to mankind.
Sam HoustonRead
Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.
Colin PowellRead