If it's a good idea, don't ask permission.

Words from Grace Hopper., who developed the COBOL programming language. In Japan, it is known by phrases such as “[Don’t ask permission. Ask forgiveness. There are variants.

It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission. Variant: If it’s a good idea, go ahead and do it. It is much easier to apologize than it is to get permission. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper I think the variant is more complementary to the words and conveys the meaning better.

• Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.

• If it’s a good idea, do it without asking permission.”

• When I come up with a good idea, I try it first.

  • Waiting for permit in advance is not a good idea
    • We don’t know in advance if we will be successful, only posterior can tell.
    • See result and [revise (e.g., of a rule, regulation, etc.)
    • If you try it and it doesn’t work, apologize then.

Commentary by Mr. Yoshioka (Rakuten Technology Fellow)

Don’t ask for permission. Apologize.

• Another expression of the same material Apology rather than asking for permission.

  • strike while the iron is hot

• Short Expression - Apology rather than permission - Don’t ask permission.

Many people find the word “apology” heavy. That would be contrary to the intent. The important part is “[Do it without asking permission.

• Sometimes asking for permission is just a precautionary step to make sure you don’t have to apologize yourself.
  • Mental model of behaving in a way that does not offend.
• That type of behavior is negatively reflected when the project’s progress is considered a top priority.

shortens the time it takes for a good idea to be implemented.

• Good idea.

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