If not forbidden, it's permitted

I want to write today about taking the initiative and creating a culture that encourages risk taking and innovation.  Too often in our corporate bureaucracies, those who step up and take initiative with new ideas or new products are shunted aside.  It can be truly difficult to innovative and to change corporate processes if the culture and management team don't support innovation and change. 

My father was a Marine, so maybe I'm biased, but there's a long running joke about how Marines see the world and how soldiers see the world.  Marines are taught that they must be prepared to improvise.  One of their core maxims is: "That which is not forbidden is permitted".  Its often been said that the Army mantra is:  "That which is not permitted is forbidden".  Now, this is merely illustrative and not meant to reflect anything but respect on both services.

Note the difference.  If my organization embraces a culture which says that whatever is not forbidden is permitted, the organization opens the door to innovation and enterpreneurs to improvise, to change and grow.  If my organization embraces a culture which says that whatever is not expressly permitted is forbidden, then the culture draws bright lines around what is acceptable and stifles creativity and innovation.

I've argued earlier that we need to provide our "troops" with clear goals and communicate those goals frequently so they are understood.  However, we don't always have to dictate HOW the work gets done.  In fact, left to their own devices and with a supportive culture, people will improvise and figure out the best ways to accomplish their tasks. 

What's the culture in your organization?  Do innovators and risk takers thrive, or does the culture knock down those who attempt to create new ideas and change business processes? 

Comments

[TesTeq]

Even the rule "That which is not forbidden is permitted" restricts your creativity. I would prefer the rule that says "That which does not hurt anybody in the long term is permitted". Sometimes the progress is a result of breaking the rules and permissions (for example the changes in Eastern Europe).
TesTeq / Poland

[Plinx]

You are incorrect, "That which is not forbidden is permitted" does not restrict creativity in anyway. With your preffered choice of "That which does not hurt anybody in the long term is permitted" rule, you are more inclined to stifle creativity based on a value judgment of "what might prove to be harmful someday?" Sorry to say, but the most innovative, and forward thinking ideas often come from "trying to make a bigger bomb"