July 1, 2003 A look at Independence

Every July most of us get to sneak away from work for a day to celebrate a very important anniversary for our country. Like most holidays, Independence Day is a time to kick back, get together with family and friends, and maybe even enjoy some fireworks (and get away from those frustrating fire drills that have become such a reality at work). The holiday is especially nice on years like this, when it leads to a long weekend as well.

With everything going on in the world recently, I have been thinking a bit more about the subject of Independence. It is an important topic. And like many things these days, it has a couple of different faces.

Even without searching the dictionary for a specific definition, independence certainly goes hand in hand with one of our most treasured values - freedom. Our country battled for its freedom over a couple of centuries ago. The struggle for independence has also been part of the stated agenda for the US involvement in Iraq during much of this year. Gaining independence from oppressive rulers has been a common theme throughout the history of the entire world.

However, there is another side of independence, which leaves us with a much different impression. It is that part of the definition that indicates being unconnected or standing alone. In an interconnected world, when people or countries are mutually dependent, the rogue behaving totally independent of everyone or everything, is often seen as a problem. On a global level, anxieties go up when any country starts acting entirely on its own interests, with no regard for its neighbors or the rest of the world. And, on a personal level, there is nothing more annoying for many parents than when their child has moved into that "independent phase!"

We have also observed some mixed messages about independence in the workplace. For nearly twenty years, we have been tracking attributes that people most admire in their leaders. The attribute independent - defined as self-reliant and self-sufficient – has always received the lowest rating among the twenty characteristics being measured. Bottom line is independence is not an attribute people most often look for in their leaders.

On the other hand, we have come across many individuals and groups, who constantly harp about the need to be more autonomous or independent, able to do their work as they see fit. Often times the word they use to describe what they want more of is "empowered." Yet sometimes the word they use is "released" or "freed." Those last two have some especially interesting connotations, don’t they?

So what does this yin and yang of independence mean for you as a leader? For one, people do not perform at their best in a work environment they would describe as a prison and for a boss who behaves like a warden. Although some may give up and take it, (while secretly longing for the day when the boss moves on), the top players will not. They will fight for their independence, even if that means leaving the company. It is wise to pay attention to the environment you are creating for your people.

The other point is this. You cannot form a group of outlaws, who simply do what is most convenient or best for themselves. The work any one person (or group) does, almost always affects other people inside the company and out. Yes, self-reliance and independence are upheld as individual virtues, as are self-responsibility and accountability. However, your people must never overlook the fact they are mutually connected with others, and this interdependence does not mean being oppressed.

When you return to work after this brief, but welcomed mid-summer break, give some thought to the following reflection questions. They will spark your thinking about how well you are dealing with the different sides of independence and might even open some additional doors that can lead to higher results.

Reflection Questions:

• To what extent do you and your people recognize and understand the various ways you are connected with others outside your group?

• To what extent do your people have the level of independence they need to perform in the best ways for both themselves and those with whom they interact or serve?