This Is What Happens When You Stop Asking for Permission

Breaking the rules requires a method too.

Gustavo Razzetti
Fearless Culture

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Start the fire with a purpose — Pic by @sarahlouisekinsella

One man was standing at the reception of a large business office. He was told to wait — his appointment was running late.

“Can I smoke here?” — the man asked.

“No, of course not. Can’t you read?” — the receptionist pointed at a ‘No smoking’ sign on the wall.

“So, what are those for?” — the man asked while looking at a couple of old-fashioned glass ashtrays.

“Those are for the people who don’t ask,” the woman replied.

I guess you’ve been in similar situations, right?

Rules are meant to be for everyone, but you feel they shouldn’t apply to you. No one wants to be perceived as a conformist, do you? However, not all rules are equal.

Breaking the rules randomly or without a purpose has consequences too — you can cause more harm than the one you are trying to avoid. Choose to break the rules that limit you, not just the ones you don’t like.

Breaking the rules requires a method.

Start a fire on purpose

Breaking the rules just for the sake of it makes no sense.

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Gustavo Razzetti
Fearless Culture

For latest stories, subscribe: https://gustavorazzetti.substack.com I help teams have courageous conversations. Author of Remote, Not Distant