Quote
Character is the measure of what you do when nobody else is looking.
Self-governance in context
- Self-governance is the ability to make decisions and act on them without needing strict rules or guidance from others.
- It’s about taking responsibility for our actions, having control over ourselves, and following a personal set of values or principles.
- While self-governance is a quality that benefits society as a whole, it also deeply affects individual character, work environments, family life, and communities.
At its core, self-governance is about freedom and responsibility. It’s the freedom to make our own choices and the responsibility to make good ones.
Always find opportunities to assess if an individual is capable of self-governance at work to eliminate the need for micromanagement, set unrealistic metrics
Example
For example, consider the choice of whether to return a shopping cart after using it at a store. Returning the cart doesn’t bring any reward, but it helps keep the space neat for everyone else. This act might seem small, but it’s a clear test of self-governance. No one is forcing the person to do it, and there’s no immediate gain, yet it shows respect for others and responsibility for their surroundings.
Self-governance at work
- A self-governing employee doesn’t need constant supervision or reminders to complete their tasks; they understand what’s required of them and take initiative.
- Self-governance here means not only getting work done on time but also following company values and being respectful to coworkers.
- This creates a workplace where people can focus on their work, knowing they won’t need to constantly monitor or be monitored by others.
Self-governance in society
- When people follow laws, respect others, and do their part to contribute, society becomes more stable and welcoming.
- A self-governing community doesn’t need a strict set of rules or constant enforcement because its members understand and respect the norms that keep it safe and functional.
- Self-governance here means obeying laws, voting responsibly, and respecting the rights of others.
Benefits and challenges
- Self-governance helps people develop qualities like honesty, responsibility, and self-control.
- Self-governing individuals are often more independent, reliable, and trusted by others, as they show they can manage themselves without close supervision.
- On a larger scale, when people practice self-governance, there is less need for strict laws, heavy regulations, or close supervision, which can make society more free and peaceful.
However,
- Self-governance requires discipline and a strong sense of ethics, and not everyone finds it easy to follow these principles on their own.
- Some people may struggle to control their impulses or may put their own desires above the welfare of others. In these cases, self-governance might fail, which can lead to the need for rules or enforcement.
Self-governance works best when people understand their values and are motivated to act on them without needing constant oversight. Although it takes effort, self-governance allows for more personal freedom, less dependence on rules, and a greater sense of community respect.