Do you look for green before you go?

My career-changing story, the one where I led the building of an innovation space… well, I almost didn’t even start it.

I thought a big project like that had to be given to you. Assigned by management.

I told everyone I knew about the idea, hoping a manager would say – “Yes! We need this. And I want you to lead it for us.”

But that never happened.

I was not picked to lead it. And in fact, it wasn’t even created into a project at all – even though everyone I talked to, even managers, said it was a good idea.

And so I thought… “Well, that didn’t work.” I dropped the idea and moved on.

It was about a year before I picked the idea back up again. A year. I just think of what I could have done with that time if I hadn’t (temporarily) given up.

Why did I give up?

I thought I needed permission to do any work on an idea.

But that is absolutely not true.

Yes, I needed permission to repurpose half an office floor.

Yes, I needed permission to create purchase orders totaling $1.5 million.

Yes, I needed permission to start construction.

But I did not need permission to ideate.

Or to make drawings that demonstrated my idea.

Or to seek out experts within the company to strengthen my idea.

I did not need permission to own my idea.

What I didn’t understand at the time was… that was leadership. Having an idea is literally having a vision. And it’s up to the owner of that vision to help others to see it too.

You don’t need permission to build, strengthen or advocate for your vision.

You don’t need permission to ask for resources.

You don’t need permission to lead an idea.

Well… I suppose the only permission you need is from – You.

Give yourself permission to dream big. Go ahead… write yourself a permission slip.

That’s all you need.

Now you’re ready.

Go lead big ideas ✨

“What’s holding you back is the thought that something’s holding you back.”

– Ralph Marston

Motivational Author