17/06/2026
Leadership Lesson – 17 June 2026
Knowing When to Ask for Permission and When to Inform
Today, let us reflect on a fundamental leadership principle articulated by Peter Drucker (2008) and John Maxwell (2007): if the authority has been delegated, decide and inform; if the matter exceeds your mandate, seek permission before acting. Understanding this distinction is essential for effective leadership and organizational success.
Leaders are entrusted with authority to make decisions within their area of responsibility and should exercise that authority with confidence and accountability. Constantly seeking approval for matters already within one's mandate can delay operations, reduce efficiency, and undermine leadership credibility. Equally, making decisions beyond one's delegated authority can expose the organization to governance, financial, and operational risks. Effective leaders therefore understand both the extent and the limits of their authority.
Consider a departmental manager who has been delegated the authority to approve staff leave. After assessing operational requirements, the manager may approve leave requests and simply inform the director of the decision. However, if that same manager wishes to purchase equipment that exceeds the approved budget threshold, permission must first be obtained from the appropriate higher authority. The difference lies not in the importance of the decision, but in whether the authority to make that decision has been delegated.
A mature leader recognizes that authority, responsibility, and accountability go hand in hand. Leaders who continually seek permission for decisions already within their mandate fail to demonstrate confidence in their leadership. Conversely, leaders who bypass established approval channels on matters beyond their authority risk serious consequences for themselves and their organizations. Wisdom in leadership lies in knowing when to act, when to inform, and when to seek approval.