Freedom, Inc.

1. Freedom in the workplace leads to exceptional performance

Freedom works.

Unleashing employee potential. Traditional, hierarchical "how" companies stifle creativity and initiative by telling employees exactly how to do their jobs. In contrast, liberated "why" companies focus on empowering employees to make their own decisions in pursuit of the company's vision. This approach leads to higher engagement, innovation, and overall performance.

Real-world success stories. Companies like W.L. Gore & Associates, FAVI, and Harley-Davidson have achieved remarkable results by embracing workplace freedom:

• W.L. Gore: Consistent growth and innovation for over 50 years
• FAVI: Maintained profitability and market leadership in a challenging industry
• Harley-Davidson: Dramatic turnaround from near-bankruptcy to industry leader

By trusting employees and giving them autonomy, these companies tap into the full potential of their workforce, leading to exceptional business outcomes.

2. Liberating leaders stop telling and start listening

Stop telling and start listening. Then, remove all the symbols and practices that prevent your people from feeling intrinsically equal.

Shifting leadership mindset. Liberating leaders recognize that their role is not to dictate solutions but to create an environment where employees can solve problems themselves. This requires a fundamental shift from telling people what to do to actively listening and empowering them to make decisions.

Practical steps for leaders:

• Remove symbols of hierarchy (e.g., reserved parking spaces, executive dining rooms)
• Encourage open communication across all levels of the organization
• Implement practices that demonstrate trust in employees (e.g., self-set schedules, open-book management)
• Resist the urge to provide solutions and instead ask, "What do you think we should do?"

By consistently demonstrating this new approach, leaders can gradually transform the organizational culture and unleash the creative potential of their workforce.

3. A shared vision is essential for a liberated company

Freedom is not anarchy.

Balancing freedom and direction. While liberated companies give employees significant autonomy, they still need a clear, shared vision to guide decision-making and ensure everyone is working towards common goals. This vision provides the necessary framework for employees to exercise their freedom responsibly.

Creating and communicating the vision:

• Involve employees in developing the company's vision and values
• Regularly reinforce the vision through company-wide communications
• Encourage employees to question and discuss how their actions align with the vision
• Use the vision as a decision-making tool, asking "Does this support our overall goals?"

A well-communicated and embraced vision acts as a unifying force, allowing employees to make decisions that benefit the company as a whole rather than just their individual interests.

4. Treating people as intrinsically equal is fundamental

All our dignity consists then in thought. By it we must elevate ourselves, and not by space and time which we cannot fill. Let us endeavor then to think well; this is the principle of morality.

Respect as a foundation. Liberating leaders recognize the inherent dignity and value of every employee, regardless of their position in the company. This attitude of respect and equality forms the basis for building trust and fostering a truly liberated environment.

Manifestations of equality:

• Transparent communication of company information to all employees
• Equal access to resources and opportunities for growth
• Elimination of status symbols and special privileges for executives
• Encouraging input and ideas from all levels of the organization

By consistently demonstrating that all employees are valued and respected, companies create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration that drives engagement and performance.

5. Self-motivation thrives when universal needs are met

Man is by nature motivated.... His behavior is influenced by relationships between his characteristics as an organic system and the environment.

Understanding human motivation. Liberating leaders recognize that people are naturally motivated when their fundamental needs are met. These universal needs include:

• Relatedness: feeling connected and valued by others
• Competence: having the skills and knowledge to succeed
• Autonomy: having control over one's actions and decisions

Creating a nourishing environment:

• Foster strong relationships and a sense of community within the company
• Provide ample opportunities for learning and skill development
• Give employees control over their work processes and schedules
• Ensure that work is meaningful and connected to the company's vision

By satisfying these universal needs, companies create an environment where employees are intrinsically motivated to perform at their best, eliminating the need for external rewards or punishments.

6. Natural leadership emerges in freedom-based environments

If you put fences around people, you get sheep. Give people the room they need.

Empowering organic leadership. In liberated companies, leadership is not confined to those with formal titles. Instead, natural leaders emerge based on their expertise, initiative, and ability to rally others around a common goal.

Fostering natural leadership:

• Remove hierarchical barriers that prevent people from taking initiative
• Encourage employees to identify and pursue opportunities for improvement
• Provide resources and support for employee-led projects
• Recognize and celebrate instances of natural leadership

By creating an environment where anyone can step up to lead when needed, companies tap into a wealth of previously untapped talent and ideas, driving innovation and adaptability.

7. Maintaining a liberated culture requires ongoing vigilance

One drop of urine in the soup is too much—and you can't get it out.

Sustaining freedom over time. Building a liberated company is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires constant attention and reinforcement. Even small compromises or backslides can erode the culture of freedom.

Strategies for maintaining a liberated culture:

• Regularly reinforce and discuss the company's values and vision
• Train new hires thoroughly in the company's unique culture
• Address violations of the culture swiftly and decisively
• Empower long-time employees to act as culture keepers
• Continuously seek feedback and adapt practices as needed

Liberating leaders recognize that maintaining a freedom-based culture is their primary ongoing responsibility. By remaining vigilant and consistently modeling the desired behaviors, they ensure that the benefits of workplace freedom continue to drive exceptional performance over the long term.

Last updated: September 29, 2024