Influence acquired through respect versus influence acquired through results

The phrase "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission" is really about a choice between two types of strategies:

1. Influence acquired through respect
2. Influence acquired through results

When we don't ask someone permission, we are essentially engaging in disrespect.  The idea is that the results will be so compelling that this disrespect will be forgiven.

When someone says "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission", we typically assume they are referring to not asking permission from people / groups that have positional authority.  This appeals to our sense of justice and the narrative of working around a broken system.

We typically don't assume that they are referring to not asking permission from people that the change will be imposed upon, from people who have little positional authority.  For example, just asking the manager and not bothering to seek permission from the workers.  "It's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission" has turned into "It's okay to disrespect people as long as you get the result".

The telling point is whether any forgiveness was ever sought (to restore respect) OR it was completely forgotten as long as the result was achieved.