The Freedom V is an excellent tool and principle because it helps you grasp the relationship between freedom and self-governance. The Freedom V graphic is largely self-explanatory. The two most essential elements are the V shape and the arrow in the middle.

The V Elements

First, the V shape. The lines on the right and left are boundaries that define the limits of acceptable behavior. These boundaries are best when they are clear and bright. Nothing is left to speculation or conjecture. And they need to be easily known and advertised if possible.

Second, the space inside the V represents the area of Responsible Freedom. That is where you use your freedom correctly or within the structure's accepted norms that demand behavior. The amount of freedom increases as you move up the V shape. The structure can be malevolent or benign, but there will still be a V shape. Even in the most disgusting dictatorships or gangs, some gain more freedom by not crossing the boundaries set by the structure.

Third, outside the V are consequences for crossing the boundaries. Once you cross the boundary, you move into the area of Irresponsible Freedom. Again, this applies to both good and bad value organizations or structures. Even evil organizations have their boundaries. Hopefully, the consequences are clearly stated at the same time that the boundaries are set.

The Arrow

Finally, the arrow in the middle represents self-governance. The color on the arrow represents the degree of self-governance being demonstrated. At the bottom, it needs to be improved. The yellow and green represent the increase in self-governance as you move from bottom to top. And the colors directly correlate with the narrow or expansive freedom allowed.

So, you can see that for any of us, in the structures in which we live, the more we abide by the rules of the structure and stay within the boundaries, the greater freedom is provided. In other words, the more self-governance is demonstrated, the more freedom is provided.

The Table

In the graph above, the table to the right provides some additional ways to look at the Freedom V. For example, you can divide self-governance into three distinct levels that overlap.

• Self-absorbed - From the bottom in the red into the yellow area. That would be someone that is either inexperienced, without knowledge about a topic or ignores what is right. That is the Learning Stage, which is the same as the first stage of the GR8 Leaders coaching model. In that stage, people need specific rules because of tighter controls. That does not mean you ignore the "why" of the rules.
• Self-controlled - From the middle yellow area into the green. That would be someone that is exhibiting an adequate level of self-governance. This can be measured in general or specific for individual work or life situations. They are in the Apply Stage, where they mostly need guidelines since they understand the rules.
• Selfless or Self-denial - The top area of self-governance that tends to work to benefit others. That is the Serve Stage, where people operate based on principles and know how to apply those principles to various life situations.

The Freedom V will work with any relationship or organization and is especially good for families and businesses with great values.

A person with self-governance considers others and their actions impact on others. They will stay within the V if the freedom inside the V is about excellent and Godly values.