Significant Career Lesson From A Firmware Manager At Zoox
Ryan, a Firmware Manager at Zoox, shared that a significant career lesson is that sometimes "it's better to ask forgiveness than ask permission," particularly when facing "analysis paralysis." This approach, used judiciously with professional maturity, has proven valuable in seizing opportunities and driving progress, even if it means taking calculated risks.
Project Management, Leadership, Risk Taking, Decision-Making, Technology
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Gleim
Firmware Manager
Zoox
California Polytechnic State University
California Polytechnic State University
Computer Science
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Video Highlights
1. Sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than permission.
2. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis; take risks and be proactive.
3. Maturity is needed to know when to take risks and be responsible for outcomes.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One of the most interesting things I've learned is that sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. This doesn't mean you should always act without asking, but in my industry, opportunities often arise.
These opportunities might involve exploring new technology or starting a side project. However, you can get stuck in analysis paralysis with everyone offering input and no progress being made.
At times, you have to decide to just go for it. If it works out, great. If not, you can apologize and explain that it was a risk you were willing to take.
You need to be mature in your career to know when to use this approach. It has been extremely useful and valuable as I've grown.
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