Our schooling system teaches us that we need approval from a higher level of authority when doing something different. I’ve seen this manifest itself with the honours students I teach. When they’re asked to come up with original ideas or strategies, many ask if there ideas “are okay”, as if me saying yes proves that the idea will succeed.
This way of operating works well if you’re imbedded in a hierarchal, mechanistic organization. They’re designed to ensure that all major decisions are approved from one level up and that new ideas come from the top, not the bottom
However, this organizational form is slowly disappearing, as we move into the age of artificial intelligence and automation.
Instead of getting somebody to give us the nod, we need to interrogate, research and develop our own ideas. Being able to ideate without craving a stamp of authority is vital for innovation, whether inside or outside of a firm.
Don’t ask for permission.
Image is my own from the Hendricks Gin “Cucumber day” event early this year
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I graduated valedictorian of my Honours Program in December and I’ve been “looking” for a job since I feel that’s what’s supposed to be done. However, recently I’ve decided that I’m not going to ask for permission to do the work I know I can do (essentially what waiting for someone to give me a job is) and just do everything myself and they’ll catch up. But let me not romanticize this journey, it’s one decision to another and now because I know I’m going to do it myself it becomes an issue or what am I going to do. Suddenly without the structure of job titles and industries everything is an option and that’s my current struggle. Once I’ve made that decision I believe things will start happening as long as I’m working.
Hi Tshego,
That’s really interesting, and I’m glad you’ve stopped trying to ask for permission. When it comes to looking for a job, I’ve found that breaking the rules is often what helps you get into them. Calling the CEO instead og sending a CV, arriving at the offices instead of applying online.
It is difficult though. Having an organizational structure means that many decisions are done before you need to do them. They’re programmed into the system. Without that structure, there is more you can do but there is also more that you have to handle. You have to make all the decisions, not just the ones you are allocated.
Each side comes with pros and cons, it just depends on what you are wanting to deal with 🙂
I wish you luck on your journey, feel free to send me an email if you’d like to chat further!