Asking for Permission = Building Trust

How important is asking for permission anyway?

I mean we’ve all heard the old saying that goes something like,
“It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
And I have certainly followed this “guidance” on many occasions.

What does asking for and waiting to receive permission gain you?
True, you risk not getting permission and therefore not getting to accomplish your agenda.

But what impact does it have on your relationships?

Today I was reminded of how asking for and waiting to receive permission impacts relationships. Think of a time that someone borrowed something from you without asking. How did you feel toward that person? I know a tinge of mistrust would rise inside me toward that person. Now think of a time you did not ask your parents’ permission to do something. Do you think their trust in you increased or decreased?

Trust is one thing you can find in strong, lasting relationships.
Deep down relationships are more important to me than accomplishing my agenda.
So why would I do something that chips away at the trust someone has in me?

I think asking for AND then waiting to be granted permission is a very important aspect of building and maintaining trust in relationships. To say it another way, not asking for permission negatively impacts the trust people have in you.

I hope to become more conscious about asking for permission and waiting for the response instead of just doing what I want in hopes I will be forgiven.