STRUCTURE THAT’S NOT STIFLING.

Most leaders view employee freedoms and operational controls as antagonists in a tug-of-war. They tend to focus on regulating workers’ behavior, often putting a damper on commitment, innovation, and performance without realizing it. But freedom and control aren’t zero-sum, argues the author. By giving people a clear sense of their organization’s purpose, priorities, and principles—that is, by providing freedom within a galvanizing framework—leaders can equip employees to make on-the-ground decisions that are in the company’s best interests. Gulati uses businesses as diverse as Netflix, Alaska Airlines, and Warby Parker to show how freedom can function in different settings. A coherent framework helps employees develop a deeper understanding of the business, which can lead to improved engagement, creativity, efficiency, and customer service.