
#158 Aaron Dignan: Change The Way You Work
The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
What kind of decison making culture do you have: Permission, constraint or consent?
There are two options for decision making culture: permission culture and constraint culture. A permission culture requires individuals to ask permission before taking action, leading to a lack of judgment and initiative. In contrast, a constraint culture allows individuals to take action unless explicitly prohibited, creating space for innovation and problem-solving. Constraints, such as purpose statements, hiring processes, and policies, eliminate certain options and focus energy in a specific direction. Building a constraint-based culture creates room for creativity and higher levels of judgment. However, individuals accustomed to a permission culture may experience discomfort when given autonomy and struggle to make decisions without seeking permission. Transitioning from permission to constraint culture can be a pivotal moment in one's career.