The power of freedom

Freedom is defined as the power or right to think, speak, or act without fearing anyone. We enjoy “being free” in our personal and professional lives. We do not want anyone or anything to hinder or restrain us from doing or thinking in a way “what we feel is right”. Freedom has a symbolic meaning to us because most of the countries have fought for independence for many years. Having become free, we live in an age wherein irresponsibility prevails amongst citizens. The hard earned freedom has lead to apathy towards shared resources and a will-do-as-I-please mentality amongst citizens.

Does being free mean that you are not answerable to anyone? No one should ask you questions. No one should hold you in reins. There is enough room for everyone at every level to think and act differently. However, that has to be encouraged. The question is how long is the rope that reins you in.

It’s time to take a relook at the definition of freedom and make it more relevant for today’s business world. Freedom actually means thinking, speaking and acting responsibly. Let’s mirror this into the realms of the business world.

Do organizations give freedom?

Many give freedom, only on paper. Even if the organization encourages employees to think creatively and act independently, freedom is not there. I can take the example of another senior colleague of mine, who would not allow freedom at any position. He would always seek approval from senior management of the organization for every thought or action generated at every level. He thereby created an environment where employees hid themselves behind a curtain, unwilling to show their face! They wouldn’t dare to do anything different for they will be questioned if they balk in the freedom.

Does everyone in the company like to have freedom?

No, not everyone in the organization likes freedom. The fact is not everyone likes to come out of their cozy routineness. They do not want to take more responsibilities, more challenges, more risks. The fear of doing things when free and the issues that may result weigh down on them. I can take the example of a senior colleague who worked with me, who wouldn’t take responsibility in his hands. He would just pass things over! Considering that he was a part of the senior leadership team, not accepting responsibilities means he never got the freedom that he “wanted” and as a result, the entire team built under him felt neck-strained and choked. Eventually, the colleague had to move on to “perceived independent role with more freedom”.

Does freedom mean that you can do anything?

Of course No! Freedom is about working with ethics too. It is about doing or acting in a way that does not harm anyone unnecessarily. Every action should be in line with the organizational and professional ethos. At any point in time, if it goes overboard, then freedom to one becomes toxic to everyone else in the organization. Freedom itself means to think or act responsibly.

Are both the above scenarios likely to usher in more productivity and growth? A big NO! Just imagine if you had an organization filled with enthusiastic employees empowered to take decisions, think creatively without fear of being reprimanded. Such organizations will have exponential growth and realize the true capabilities of employees.