Firm Vision, Loose Grip

"Firm vision, loose grip." In both life and leadership, this guiding principle encourages us to loosen restrictions without compromising our direction. By releasing rigid controls, we create the space for adaptability, which can be instrumental in innovation and management.

In practice, this approach involves setting a clear vision but allowing flexibility in the journey towards it. Consider Google’s “20% time” policy, where employees dedicate a portion of their work hours to personal projects. While the company holds fast to its vision of constant innovation, loosening the stricture on employees' time fosters fresh ideas, some of which—like Gmail and Google News—became core products.

In my own work, I’ve seen how loosening strictures in cultural strategy allows teams to focus on shared goals rather than restrictive measures. In my teams, we craft experiences around cultural insights while giving team members the latitude to explore innovative approaches. This freedom to reinterpret the vision leads to outcomes that are not only on brand but also richly diverse in expression.

As leaders, embracing this flexibility empowers teams to redirect energy from upholding rigid rules to engaging in meaningful, productive work. By reallocating attention to what truly matters, we not only drive sustainable growth but also nurture a workplace culture that champions trust and creativity.