Permission

Permission.

I once asked a leader, “Are you looking for me to give you permission to just do the thing?”

He laughed. Because that’s exactly what he was doing. He had the ability, the authority, and a clear idea of what needed to happen. And he was sitting on it — waiting for someone to tell him it was okay.

Smart, capable people waiting for authorization that nobody is thinking about giving them. Not because anyone would object. Because nobody else is thinking about it at all.

This week: the over-preparation that masks fear. The identity that hasn’t caught up. The silence that costs you visibility. The perfectionism that eats your energy.

They all come back to waiting for proof that you’re enough before you’ll let yourself act like it.

Nobody is going to tap you on the shoulder and say you’re ready. You have to decide that for yourself.

What would you do differently if you knew you belonged in the room?

Have a great weekend.