Final answer:
Innovators are the followers who seek forgiveness rather than permission and come up with alternative solutions, distinct from conformists who follow traditional norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The followers who seek forgiveness rather than permission and offer alternative solutions are c. Innovators. Innovators are individuals who pursue their goals with methods beyond traditional or accepted means. Unlike conformists, who follow the norm and do not deviate from socially accepted behavior, innovators may use unconventional or even deviant methods to achieve their objectives. This is in contrast to mavericks, who may also challenge norms but are not specifically characterized by seeking forgiveness or focusing on offering alternative solutions.