Your Inner Compass Knows the Way
Stop Seeking Permission and Start Trusting Yourself
Let's get real for a moment: How many times have you hesitated on a decision, waiting for someone else to give you the green light? As leaders—no matter your title or level—it's easy to fall into the trap of seeking permission when, deep down, you already know the answer.
Here's the truth: the clarity you're waiting for? It's already inside you.
Why Do Leaders Seek Permission?
There's a comfort in external validation—it feels safe and reassuring, like a safety net. But when you rely on it too often, it comes at a cost:
It chips away at your confidence. You start to doubt your instincts.
It slows progress. Decisions take longer, and momentum fades.
It diminishes your leadership presence. A team thrives on decisiveness; hesitation can breed uncertainty.
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition—they somehow already know what you truly want to become." - Steve Jobs
The Reframe: Validate, Don't Ask Permission
Here's a concept that changed the way I lead: stop seeking permission and start validating your instincts. Validation isn't about asking someone else to decide for you—it's about ensuring you've considered your blind spots while still owning the decision.
The Permission-Validation Framework
Let's make this actionable. Next time you face a big decision, use this framework:
Pause and Reflect
What do I already know about this situation?
What outcome feels most aligned with my values and goals?
What's my gut telling me—and why?
Seek Input the Right Way
Instead of asking, "What do you think I should do?" say, "Here's the direction I'm leaning toward. Do you see anything I might have missed?"
This shifts the conversation from dependence to collaboration.
Take the Leap
Even with input, you must decide. Leadership is about momentum, and nothing builds trust—within yourself and from others—like decisive action.
Practical Tips to Build Trust in Your Decisions
Start Small: Practice with everyday decisions. Trust yourself to pick a path, even if it's not perfect.
Anchor in Values: When you're stuck, go back to what you stand for. If your decision aligns with your core values, you're already on the right track.
Reflect Regularly: Keep a decision journal. Write down what you chose, why, and how it turned out. Over time, you'll see patterns in your instincts that build trust.
Inspiration to Lead Boldly
"Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up when you can't control the outcome." - Brené Brown
Decisions are vulnerable moments—they require courage, clarity, and trust. But every time you trust your inner compass, you strengthen your ability to lead authentically.
A Thought to Take With You
The next time you feel stuck, ask yourself:
What do I already know to be true?
What decision aligns with my values?
What am I waiting for—permission or validation?
Leaders aren't defined by perfect decisions. They're defined by the courage to trust their instincts, act with intention, and adapt as they go.
So, what decision are you hesitating on today? Take the leap. Your inner compass already knows the way.
“Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”
Newsletters I read daily to stay informed and get inspired: The Hustle, Morning Brew, Seth Godin’s Blog, Atlas Obscura, Oprah Daily
Podcasts: The Daily, NPR News Now, Marketplace, Marketplace Tech, Don’t Keep Your Day Job, The Highest Self, Planet Money
Infectious Generosity by Chris Willard
Let’s talk about generosity—not as a random act but as a culture that inspires, connects, and transforms. Chris Willard’s Infectious Generosity is a game-changer.
This book challenges you to see generosity as more than just giving, it is a mindset that creates ripple effects across your team, organization, and beyond. Willard weaves practical strategies and real-world stories to show how generosity can fuel purpose and build stronger, more connected leaders.
🌟 Why We Love This Book:
It helps you align generosity with your values as a leader.
The practical tips are actionable and easy to implement.
It reminds us that generosity doesn’t drain—it fuels growth and impact.
💡 Key Insight: Generosity isn’t just good—it’s contagious.
📖 This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve read it. Ready to lead with a more generous heart? Grab your copy today!
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"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear".
-Nelson Mandela
