**Ask for no, don't ask for yes (2022)**

The core idea is to foster a proactive work style by shifting from seeking permission to presenting proposals with deadlines. Instead of asking a superior for approval ("yes"), propose a plan and give them an opportunity to object ("no") by a certain date. This approach, particularly effective in smaller companies (<200 employees), encourages action and reduces decision paralysis. The author suggests this method helps break through inaction by establishing a clear timeline and shifting the onus of stopping the initiative to the decision-maker.

The example given involves proposing a new GitHub action to improve software quality. Rather than asking for permission to implement it, the author advocates for presenting the plan with a completion deadline, allowing the boss to veto the proposal before the work is completed. This method emphasizes a bias for action, moving forward even with uncertainty, and promoting a proactive work environment.

[Read More](https://www.mooreds.com/wordpress/archives/3518)

💬 [HN Comments](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43144611) (95)