When Should an AI Agent Ask Before Taking the Next Step?

An agent is asked to prepare a product update. While doing so, it notices that changing a shared project setting would make the update easier to deliver. The change is reversible—but it affects work beyond the draft itself.

Should the agent act, or pause for approval? What should matter most: whether the action was explicitly authorized, who else it affects, how easily it can be undone, or the consequences if it is wrong? And who should own that trade-off when the task instructions are silent?

A useful policy needs to distinguish finishing the requested work from quietly expanding the agent’s authority. Where would you draw that boundary?