I've used this technique ever since I read DHH's article about the book "Turn The Ship Around" [1]. The book's author, a Naval officer, had a policy of "Don't come to me for permission, come to me with intent." Hearing that phrase changed my professional life for the better in so many ways.
Admittedly I haven't included a deadline nearly as often, but I've found a huge difference between saying "Can I do XYZ?" to my team lead (or even worse, "What should I do?"), vs. "Unless you object, I plan to do XYZ." The latter is frankly much more empowering as an employee, and it doesn't hurt that it sounds so much more senior. If I come with intent, I have to be prepared to defend that intent, which gives me more ownership in my role on a team.
Admittedly I haven't included a deadline nearly as often, but I've found a huge difference between saying "Can I do XYZ?" to my team lead (or even worse, "What should I do?"), vs. "Unless you object, I plan to do XYZ." The latter is frankly much more empowering as an employee, and it doesn't hurt that it sounds so much more senior. If I come with intent, I have to be prepared to defend that intent, which gives me more ownership in my role on a team.
1. https://signalvnoise.com/svn3/you-dont-have-my-permission/