a Finding Agency
The player has almost limitless freedom in the first few moves. There are many legal moves and no restrictions on the player’s choices.
As we leverage our culture and organizations, our choices become more difficult.
Jerry Garcia could not easily change the Grateful Dead touring regime even if it was his intention. The organization had a payroll of almost 100 people and needed to tour, playing bigger venues to keep things moving. It is the same for many situations, whether it’s a country or an organization (large or small).
Although the high school principal is in charge, their freedoms are limited.
One reason is because freedom and agency don’t mean the same thing.
Freedom of choice suggests that the consequences of any choice made are minimal. Freedom without responsibility is the ideal.
In reality, the agency model with leverage is only effective because it is so hard and involves so many responsibilities. Small business owners in trouble can close a division or sell an asset, or even part ways with their partners. It is not an easy task, and it can be painful. But it’s possible.
Imagine that there are no difficult choices.
We often do.
