“I have the right to do anything,” you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
– I Corinthians 10:23-24
What does a culture of freedom look like? What is a culture of empowerment? In society we hear people talk about their freedom of rights. In organizations, we hear about leaders prioritizing the empowerment of their team. Being free is choosing for yourself, and empowerment in the power, right or authority to do something. So how do we let a diverse group of people be free and empowered and yet move in the same direction and not implode?
For a culture of freedom and empowerment to work, there needs to be an underlying foundation of shared components that hold it all together. Here are some of those components:
Shared Mission and Values – The glue that holds us together
Atoms are made up of tiny particles that move at high speed and yet stay together and form matter. In the same way people can be moving in their own choices and yet stay together for a greater whole. What keeps a group of people together is a shared mission and values. People are still making their own choices but also freely choose to align those choices to a greater mission. In the same way, the shared values they hold direct the behaviors they choose in how they complete the mission.
Make sure to continually inspire the people on your team with your shared mission and values. Then people will freely choose to move in the same direction. If you have a team of people struggling to move forward, is a shared purpose clear among you?
Civility – Seeking the best for our self and others
In a team sport, if you treat your teammates poorly, they won’t pass you the ball and goals will not be made. Freedom is your right to choose. But if you choose only for yourself, others will not want to join with you and the team will fall apart. Freedom is the right to choose for yourself and to choose the best for others too.
Civility defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is courtesy and politeness. Shola Richards, Founder & CEO of Go Together Global, is a workplace civility expert. He discusses how in every encounter with others, you either give life or drain it. He encourages people to connect to their “hire” self. When in an interview, you often get asked questions about how you would interact with others, such as how you would handle conflict or a difficult employee. Of course, in an interview you would give a very civil answer. We then need to act this way and have a continual mindset of the “hire” self.
Make sure to think about yourself and others. If a team is struggling, look at how you are treating each other? Are you using your freedom of choice for the best of all of you?
Choosing Our Presence – Attitudes towards each other
I have been in the season of life of having my children who are now teenagers moving into young adulthood. I was reflecting on my relationship with them and all the struggles in this transition of life. This phrase came to me: Love is empowering others to own their own sphere of control, authority, and responsibility while also believing in their potential. I needed to let go of more control, empower and amid their choices still believe in their best potential, not doubt.
When we empower others, we cannot just let go and then judge. We must let go and then believe in them and their potential. The same is true with our team. We must let go and fully believe in them. People sense not just our actions, but our very attitude and presence with them. With your freedom for self and others, are you believing in the very best? Or do you doubt, criticize or gossip about them?
So, how are you going to own your freedom, whether in society, work or home? How are you being intentional to inspire your team with shared purpose? How are you being civil at work, home, community, and social media? How will you keep freedom alive by pursuing your mission along with seeking the best for self and others?