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
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I make my battle plans from the spirit of my sleeping soldiers
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