Do I really want feedback, or just permission?

When I think of something I want to try, I tend to ask someone for feedback about it before I act on it. Something like: “Hmm, I just had a cool idea for a team process experiment. I wonder if my manager would be able to poke holes in it.” That kind of thing.

Lately I’ve realized that’s a cop-out. I tell myself I’m looking for feedback, but I’m really after permission. Doing the thing isn’t as scary if someone else tells me I should.

Asking for permission sucks and I’m going to stop pretending that’s not what I’ve been doing. Courage over comfort.