Don’t Wait for Permission—Take Action

It’s not uncommon for me to say, “I’d rather hire someone who will ask for forgiveness than someone who must ask for permission before taking action.” If you’re going to accomplish anything in life, you must be willing to act. And when you do, things don’t always turn out exactly as you would like. Sometimes you must step back, alter your course, and try again. But give me the person who is prone to action. It’s like the great race car drivers say: “To finish first, you must first finish.” And to finish, you must get off the starting line.

I’ve hired some really bright people who weren’t great employees. They may have had an abundance of experience or a wealth of technical knowledge, but what they didn’t or couldn’t do was translate that experience or knowledge into action. Booker T. Washington wrote, “The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.” That is certainly true in the workplace. You must be willing and able to use what you know to guide your actions.

I believe that a company full of people who are action-oriented will lead to growth. And with growth comes opportunity for all. So I want people on my team who aren’t afraid to try. People who would rather take action and risk failure than watch someone else do it for them.

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I’m accused of using sports analogies too often, and it’s probably true, but here’s another one—I’d rather have a team full of players who want to step up to the plate with the bases loaded, down one run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, instead of one that looks for a single individual to come up with that big hit. Because if it’s not that person’s turn to bat, that second team is likely to lose, whereas the first team, in which everyone believes they can get the job done and relishes the opportunity, well, they’re likely to find a way to win.

Roger Dawson, who wrote Secrets of Power Persuasion, tells the story of Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, who wanted to meet his hero, Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s. For years, Monaghan would call Kroc’s office every month and try to get an appointment. When he learned the 78-year-old Kroc was in failing health, he flew to San Diego, where he was determined to stay until he could meet his idol. His persistence finally paid off, and he was rewarded with a 15-minute meeting with Kroc. That 15-minute meeting turned into 2½ hours.

Toward the end of their exchange, Kroc leaned forward and said, “I’m going to give you some advice. You have it made now. You can do anything you want; made all the money you can possibly spend. So what I think you should do now is slow down. Take it easy. Open a few stores every year, but be careful. Don’t make any new deals that could get you into trouble. Play it safe.”

Monaghan was stunned to hear this message of conservatism from his hero. Shocked, he blurted out, “But that wouldn’t be any fun!” Kroc paused, looking a little hurt by that statement. Then he broke out in a huge grin and started pumping Monaghan’s hand. “That’s just what I hoped you’d say!”

You see, Kroc was predisposed to action, and he wanted to hear the same from Monaghan. Both men were extremely successful and had accomplished so much. Sure, they could have rested on their laurels and been perfectly fine, but neither one wanted that. They were men of action and, despite the risks involved, they enjoyed the challenge of continuing to grow their businesses. Kroc and Monaghan understood that with growth comes opportunity.

Today, as you read this, think about what action you could take that would make a difference in your life. Instead of being a spectator, join the game. Pick one thing, and get it done. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission. Just act. You will be amazed at what you accomplish.