You manage things, you lead people. We went overboard on management and forgot about leadership.
Grace HopperRead
It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Taking initiative can sometimes lead to mistakes, but it's easier to seek forgiveness afterward than to wait for permission.
This quote by Grace Hopper suggests that in certain situations, it may be more pragmatic to act decisively and deal with any consequences later, rather than wait for approval that may never come. It highlights the value of action and decisiveness over indecision caused by the fear of asking for permission, which can stifle innovation and progress.
Themes
ForgivenessPermissionActionDecisionInitiative
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting about project management, one could say this quote to encourage team members to take risks.
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!
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Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. _x000D_ _x000D_ Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew.
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I've always been more interested in the future than in the past.
Grace HopperRead
It's always easier to apologize for something you've already done than to get approval for it in advance.
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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