It's Probably You

Claire Hughes Johnson ran onboarding at Stripe, and she noticed something about new employees: they got stuck.

'If you're not sure who the decision maker is, one, it's probably you. And I'd rather you act that way than not because you're going to slow the whole company down.'

The instinct to wait for permission is deeply human. It's also deeply counterproductive.

'Don't get stuck. Too many people get stuck, and it makes your work terrible. What do we all care about? Progress, impact, momentum.'

Watch a toddler hesitate at the playground, looking back at you for permission to climb. Sometimes they need your guidance. But often they're just waiting for someone to tell them it's okay - when they already know it's okay.

The skill to build: 'If you don't know who the decision maker is and you're worried it's not you, just ask. Don't get stuck.'

Teach your kids to ask when they genuinely need guidance - and to trust themselves when they already know the answer.