As the United States and Canada celebrate their national independence this week, it’s worth noting that these commemorations come at a time of political tension—tensions that challenge the harmony historically shared by these two beautiful and “free” nations.
But politics aside, I’d like to explore the concept of freedom in leadership, and its direct impact on people in the workplace.
You don’t need to be a historian to understand that the ability to live freely—to make your own choices and direct your own life—is both a beautiful and fortunate reality. None of us chose the country or conditions into which we were born, yet many of us have benefited from the hard-won freedoms secured by those who came before us.
At a national level, it's wise and respectful for citizens to acknowledge the sacrifices made—often by strangers, and often long before we were born. These individuals, sometimes alongside allies from other nations, fought and worked to secure the very liberties we enjoy today.
Now, if we translate this same idea into the realm of leadership, it raises a powerful question: To what extent do today’s leaders create and maintain environments where people are truly free—to think, act, and contribute within a shared vision?
Based on extensive empirical data, personal observation, and years of anecdotal conversations with leaders across North America, I’ve come to believe that freedom in the workplace is diminishing.
By “freedom,” I mean:
- Knowing, clearly and confidently, one’s role and responsibilities.
- Understanding both performance expectations and behavioral conduct standards.
- Feeling safe to make decisions aligned with company values and goals.
- Being encouraged to engage authentically with peers, staff, and leaders—not just as business professionals, but as people.
- Being able to ask for help, coaching, or guidance without fear of reprisal.
- Being empowered to offer feedback to improve not just results, but the culture that drives those results.
More and more, I hear from employees and leaders alike that this type of freedom is eroding. Instead of empowering their teams, many leaders are unintentionally squelching autonomy, tightening control in the face of pressure—especially when “hitting the
number” becomes the singular focus.
Have we forgotten what leadership truly is?
Truly great leadership is about:
- Articulating a compelling vision—where we’re going.
- Defining the mission—what and how we’ll get there.
- Shaping a culture—the values and environment that make the journey possible, at all times, including when we may not hit the number!
Without clarity on all three, even the best strategy will fail to deliver results.
So, to all modern, 21st-century leaders, I ask:
Are you consciously and strategically creating conditions where people are truly ‘free’ to do their best work? Would your employees agree?
Do you hire, train, coach, and encourage employees to understand their roles, live up to clear expectations, and then give them the freedom to act? Or, when the pressure mounts, do you tighten control, abandoning freedom in favor of micromanagement?
Freedom is often most appreciated in times of unrest—when it's at risk. The same applies in business. When challenges arise, do we panic and clamp down, or do we pause, engage, listen, adjust and (still) trust our people?
Next time things go sideways at work, take a moment. Ask yourself: How can I lead in a way that preserves freedom rather than creating fear?
True leadership shines not when things are easy, but when they’re difficult. In teams where people respect each other, trust each other, and aren’t afraid to engage in honest dialogue—even through disagreement—that’s where freedom lives. And where freedom exists, so does performance, innovation, and sustainable culture.
Yes, freedom is not free. It comes at a cost. And as leaders, we must recognize not only the blessings of the national freedoms we enjoy, but also the responsibility to lead with freedom at the core of our workplaces.
So, this week, as we celebrate Independence Day & Canada Day, ask yourself:
Are you a freedom fighter for your people?
Because the data shows—and I unequivocally believe—people will always give more of themselves; more effort, and better performance when they are led by those who empower and free their people, rather than control.
Happy Independence Day and Canada Day to all!