You don’t have my permission

The page draws on Turn The Ship Around to argue that asking for permission shifts power and responsibility to the person who grants it. Coming with intent makes the person acting carry the consequences and think more fully about the decision.

The author applies that idea at Basecamp and says people should state what they intend to do, then discuss it if they want feedback or direction. He still allows guidance and exceptions, but wants fewer dependencies and more independent thinking.

Reading notes

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• Asking for permission makes the request depend on the other person’s approval.
• Coming with intent puts responsibility on the person who will do the work.
• The author sees this as a way to reduce dependencies inside an organization.
• At Basecamp, he prefers people to say what they are going to do and then talk through it.
• He still expects to give feedback, disagreement, and intervention when needed.
• The goal is more independent judgment and fuller responsibility, not a free-for-all.
• He says some orders should remain reserved for the person in charge, especially when life or death is involved.