Online Reporter
Rutendo Gwatidzo
Changing Perspectives
A story is told of a fast-growing local company that finally broke away from a controlling parent organisation.
For years, leadership had complained about restrictions in the form of slow approvals, tight controls and constant oversight. Then, independence came with celebration, new branding, bold promises, and a renewed sense of freedom. But, within 18 months, the cracks began to show.
Expenses spiralled. Decision-making became impulsive. Governance structures were ignored in the name of “speed.” Employees began to interpret freedom as the absence of accountability.
What was once a disciplined, high-performing entity slowly drifted into confusion and underperformance. They had gained independence but, lost structure.
Happy Independence Day to you all.
The Illusion of Freedom!
Independence is powerful. It represents dignity, control and self-determination. But, freedom without discipline is not empowerment, it is dangerous exposure. We see it most vividly among teenagers. The moment restrictions are lifted, whether leaving school, gaining financial independence, or moving out of parents’ home, there is often a rush to experience freedom.
The freedom usually manifests in late nights, unchecked choices, impulsive decisions, just to mention a few. Not because they are irresponsible, but, because no one prepared them for the weight of freedom. Freedom is attractive. Responsibility is not. And yet, the two are inseparable.
The Trap!
Freedom Without Foresight is dangerous. Many young people equate freedom with doing what they want, when they want. But, what is rarely taught is that every choice carries a consequence, whether immediate or delayed.
The teenager who rushes into independence without discipline often encounters the likes of these — broken opportunities due to poor decisions, financial mismanagement, damaged relationships or loss of direction. Interestingly, it is not the freedom that fails them, it is the lack of structure to sustain it. The same pattern can repeat itself later in life if not intentionally managed.
Organisational Status!
A good number of organisations have employees who want authority without accountability. Employees push for autonomy — less supervision, flexible working conditions, decision-making authority. These are valid aspirations in a modern workplace.
But, when autonomy is granted without internal discipline, performance declines. As a result, many organisations suffer missed deadlines justified by “flexibility”they also suffer poor quality work hidden behind independence and a culture where accountability is diluted.
Organisations that thrive understand the balance that freedom is given, but within clear performance frameworks, measurable outcomes, and strong values systems. Without that, independence becomes a liability.
The Discipline Gap Reflection!
As we reflect on Zimbabwean Independence, it is important to move beyond celebration and into introspection. The question we must confront is this, Have we built the systems, culture and mindset required to sustain independence?
Because lack of accountability and shared responsibility can lead to failure. Discipline around freedom should start within families. The first institution that teaches the responsible use of freedom ideally should be the family. Sadly, many families struggle to balance.
They either over-control and produce rebellion or they become overly permissive and produce irresponsibility. True leadership in the home should not be about restriction but, about preparing individuals to handle freedom wisely.
The Family Role!
Children must be taught that choices have consequences and discipline is a form of self-respect. They also need to know that freedom is sustained through responsibility. Without this foundation, society inherits individuals who are unprepared for independence.
Let’s Talk About Your Role!
At a personal level, independence demands self-leadership. No supervisor, parent or system can fully enforce discipline. It must come from within. Self-discipline requires delayed gratification, emotional intelligence and consistency when no one is watching.
A Call to Recalibrate!
Independence should not be the end goal, but, the beginning of responsibility. Whether as a nation, family, an organisation, or individual, we must shift the narrative from seeing freedom as entitlement and celebration to seeing freedom as stewardship, responsibility and accountability. Because the reality is simple. You can be free and still fail. But you cannot be disciplined and remain stagnant.
Think About It!
As we celebrate independence, the real question is not whether we are free. It is whether we are disciplined enough to sustain that freedom. Because in the absence of discipline, freedom does not build, it erodes. And what we fail to manage today, we risk losing tomorrow.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is a human capital executive and managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a multi-Award winning leader, transformational speaker and coach. She is also the author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books. Contact details – 0714575805/ [email protected] / Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official FB public page.
