Early in my career, a mentor told me something that changed my perspective:
“You don’t have to wait for permission to do great things. Most people are too busy waiting for permission themselves.”
That was a wake-up call.
I realized that in workplaces everywhere, talented people hold themselves back—not because they lack skill, but because they’re waiting.
Waiting for approval.
Waiting for someone to notice them.
Waiting to be told it’s okay to step up.
But here’s the hard truth: If you keep waiting, you’ll get left behind.
The people who make an impact—the ones who rise—don’t wait. They act.
Three Ways to Stop Waiting and Start Leading
Others wait to be told. The best take initiative.
↳ See a problem? Fix it before you’re asked.
In many workplaces, employees see inefficiencies every day—broken systems, unnecessary steps, outdated processes. But they don’t speak up or act because they think it’s “not their place.”
The best employees? They solve problems before they become crises.
↳ Speak up when you have ideas.
How many meetings have you sat through where you had a better idea but stayed silent? Maybe you thought, “It’s not my role” or “No one asked me.”
Game-changers don’t wait to be invited into the conversation. They share ideas, offer insights, and contribute—even when they don’t have a formal title.
↳ Ask for forgiveness, not permission.
The most successful people in any field fail a lot—because they act first. They don’t recklessly break rules, but they also don’t let bureaucracy stop them from moving forward. If they make a mistake, they own it, learn from it, and adjust.
Two Things to Stop Doing Today
Others hesitate. The best take ownership.
↳ Stop assuming someone else will step up.
If you see an opportunity to improve something, take it. If you see a leadership gap, fill it. Don’t assume someone else will do it. Most people won’t.
↳ Stop believing you need a title to lead.
Some employees say, “That’s above my pay grade.” But leadership isn’t about pay grades—it’s about who moves things forward. Some of the most influential people in organizations have no official authority—they lead through action.
One Final Question
Others wait for a green light. The best start moving.
What’s one thing you know needs to be done—but you’ve been waiting for permission to do?
What if you just took the first step today?
Your answer determines if you’ll stay in the background… or become the leader your workplace needs.