Anyone in almost any position can do things well outside the supposed limits of that position. A senior corporate director told me (approximately), “Most people are terrified to take the responsibility that’s inherent in their job description. If it’s not within the power of your position but you think it’s right, just do it. If it works out well somebody else will take credit. If it doesn’t you’ll either get spanked or rebuked, both of which you will survive. You’ll move things forward and get things done. You discover the limits of your power when somebody is able to come down on you and stop you, which they probably won’t.” So, Republicans can do more than they are but they’re either trying to play by the rules or afraid to color outside the lines. I got a secretary in my senator’s office to call the import inspection office that was holding a shipment of medication I’d ordered and refusing to ship it. I got it two days later. Did she have the power to do that?…Technically no.
” You discover the limits of your power when somebody is able to come down on you and stop you, which they probably won’t.”
Obama has sure learned that lesson well. He’ll continue ruling by decree until someone stops him. And he’s doing it in the most arrogant way imaginable. The day after the Republicans won a landslide election he tells them he’s going to issue an EO on immigration and dares them to stop him.
After receiving a major ration of crap, I said to my battery commander, "ok, I got the message loud and clear. I'll fix my mistakes, now let me run my platoon the way I see fit."
From that day forth, I could be a major PITA to my superiors. Those who valued initiative and independence, were my biggest supporters, all the way up to Group Commander. Others not ascribing to that mantra, let's just say I had to learn to adapt.
I now work at a government agency where initiative is not valued. I've got 15 months to retirement, so I'll keep plugging along.
I was told by a corporate exec who was a friend of mine....never ask permission, ask forgiveness if it goes badly.