Why Permission is Overrated
A few years ago, I was in a meeting at my first corporate job, surrounded by sharp, capable colleagues. The conversation turned to a new initiative, and I had ideas—great ones. But I didn’t say a word.
Why? I was waiting. Waiting for someone to ask for my input. Waiting for permission to speak. The moment passed, the project moved forward, and my ideas never left my head.
I left the room feeling invisible.
That’s when I learned the hard truth: waiting for permission is the fastest way to blend into the background.
A few weeks ago, someone I used to work with at an edtech company reached out. She was three months into a new role and already feeling stuck.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing,” she said. “My manager hasn’t given me clear direction.”
Sound familiar? I knew it did for me. I’d been there—waiting, frustrated, hoping someone would hand me the map. But here’s the thing: sometimes managers don’t hand you a map.
And here’s the real kicker: they shouldn’t have to.
I told her the truth. “Look, managers should give you some direction—that’s their job. But if you’re waiting for them to tell you everything, you’ll be waiting forever. You’ve got to own this role. Morph it into something valuable for the business. Stop waiting for permission. Take it.”
She went quiet.
“Document your work,” I continued. “Figure out how you’re contributing to the pipeline. Write your own job description. Stop waiting for someone else to define your value. Show them what you bring to the table.”
As she thanked me, I could hear the shift in her voice—renewed energy, a hint of purpose.
I hung up, feeling like I’d helped her rediscover her spark.
Why You Can’t Wait
Direction is helpful, but ownership is essential.
When you wait for permission, you let opportunities pass you by. But here’s the truth: managers are human. They’re juggling competing priorities, sometimes unclear themselves, or even unaware of what you need.
Here’s the bias-breaking action: Managers owe you some direction, but you owe yourself ownership. If you don’t take the wheel, you’ll stay stuck—frustrated, invisible, and replaceable. But when you stop waiting and start doing, you’ll build momentum. You’ll create your own opportunities, get noticed for the right reasons, and feel in control of your career.
Let me show you how to take that power and run with it.
1. Write Your Own Job Description
If your role feels unclear, define it yourself.
This was the first thing I told my friend: “Write the job description you wish you had.” By doing this, she turned confusion into clarity. Here’s how:
Identify the gaps. Look for areas where your team or company needs help. What’s not getting done that you could own?
Tie it to business goals. Show how your work will drive results, like revenue, efficiency, or customer satisfaction.
Share it with your manager. Present your draft as a proposal to align expectations and demonstrate initiative.
2. Document Your Work
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.
I told my friend to track everything she was doing—every task, every win, every impact. Why? Because it’s hard to argue with data. Here’s how you can do the same:
Start a work journal. Write down what you accomplish each day, no matter how small.
Quantify your results. Add metrics, timelines, or outcomes to make your impact clear.
Share regular updates. Send weekly or monthly summaries to your manager to keep your contributions visible.
3. Take Initiative
Your role is what you make it.
My friend admitted she was waiting for her manager to help her, but I told her to flip the script. Here’s how you can do it too:
Ask better questions. Instead of asking, “What should I do?” ask, “What’s the biggest challenge we’re facing right now, and how can I help?”
Pitch new ideas. If you notice a problem or opportunity, propose a solution—even if it’s small.
Own a project. Volunteer to lead an initiative, even if it’s outside your current responsibilities.
Own Your Role
The myth of permission is just that—a myth. Sure, managers provide guidance, but it’s up to you to own your role and show your value.
Stop waiting. Own your shit. The driver’s seat has been yours all along. Turn the key. Go.
