Freedom does better with limits -
There was a study that illustrated it really well. Kindergartners. They measured how far they spread in the field to play at recess. They found that kids clustered pretty close in near the playground. - Brian Robertson
Until they added a fence around the far out perimeter of the property. As soon as they did that, the kids spread out. That used the freedom. They knew where the boundary was. And so they filled the space and they did so confidently and safely. - Brian Robertson
When we don't have clear limits,
we are conservative and cautious so we don't go to far.
If we have clarity on limits, we are free to operate in a known space, and can lead with authority, agency, autonomy, and confidence.
Holacracy is a different organizational construct.
Really interesting to dig into the details with the founder, Brian Robertson at Running Remote in Austin earlier this spring. Some foundational differences with command and control.
Please join me in welcoming Brian Robertson to the Work 20XX podcast.
Editor’s Note: Recorded 2025-April-30 at the Running Remote conference in Austin, Texas.
Special thanks to Liam, Egor, Ana, and Team Running Remote.
Brian Robertson: Authority, Clarity, Limits, System | Work 20XX podcast with Jeff Frick Ep49 from Running Remote -
Transcript and Show Notes - https://www.work20xx.com/episode/brian-robertson-authority-clarity-limits-system-work-20xx-ep49
or wherever you podcast
#Freedom #Boundaries #WorkplaceFreedom #Workplace #Leadership #Autonomy #Agency #Holacracy #PsychologicalSafety #DecisionMaking #WorkplaceDesign #OrganizationalBehavior #Empowerment #Structure #RunningRemote #Interview #Podcast #Work20XX
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