The Freedom V is an excellent tool and principle because it helps you grasp the relationship between freedom and self-governance. The Freedom V graphic is largely self-explanatory. The two most essential elements are the V shape and the arrow in the middle.The V ElementsFirst, the V shape. The lines on the right and left are boundaries that define the limits of acceptable behavior. These boundaries are best when they are clear and bright. Nothing is left to speculation or conjecture. And they need to be easily known and advertised, if possible.Second, the space inside the V represents the area of Responsible Freedom. That is where you use your freedom responsibly, within the structure’s accepted norms. The amount of freedom increases as you move up the V shape. The structure can be malevolent or benign, but there will still be a V shape. Even in the most disgusting dictatorships or gangs, some gain more freedom by not crossing the boundaries set by the structure.Third, outside the V are consequences for crossing the boundaries. Once you cross the boundary, you move into the area of Irresponsible Freedom. Again, this applies to both good- and bad-value organizations or structures. Even evil organizations have their boundaries. Hopefully, the consequences are clearly stated when the boundaries are set.The ArrowFinally, the arrow in the middle represents self-governance. The color on the arrow represents the degree of self-governance being demonstrated. At the bottom, it needs improvement. The yellow and green represent the increase in self-governance as you move from bottom to top. And the colors directly correlate with the narrow or expansive freedom allowed.So, you can see that for any of us, in the structures in which we live, the more we abide by the rules of the structure and stay within the boundaries, the greater freedom is provided. In other words, the more self-governance is demonstrated, the more freedom is provided.The TableIn the graph above, the table to the right provides some additional ways to look at the Freedom V. For example, you can divide self-governance into three distinct levels that overlap.Self-absorbed - From the bottom in the red into the yellow area. That would be someone who is either inexperienced, lacks knowledge of a topic, or ignores what is right. That is the Learning Stage, which is the same as the first stage of the GR8 Leaders coaching model. At that stage, people need specific rules due to tighter controls. That does not mean you ignore the “why” of the rules.Self-controlled - From the middle yellow area into the green. That would be someone who demonstrates adequate self-governance. This can be measured generally or specifically for individual work or life situations. They are in the Apply Stage, where they mostly need guidelines since they understand the rules.Selfless or Self-denial - The top area of self-governance that tends to work to benefit others. That is the Serve Stage, where people operate on principles and know how to apply them to various life situations.The Freedom V will work with any relationship or organization and is especially well-suited to families and businesses with strong values.A person with self-governance considers others and the impact of their actions on others. They will stay within the V if the freedom inside the V is about excellent and Godly values.
