I stood there in the window of my hotel room looking down on the busy Vancouver intersection far below. What a marvel. Everyone was getting to where they needed to get to in an orderly fashion. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists all happily co-existing.

No accidents. No mishaps. No problems. A true example of ‘civilization’.

What would happen if the power went out?

No pedestrian signs would function. No stops lights would work. How would people know when to go? When would the cyclists cross the street? How would the pedestrians ever cross if the vehicles did not choose to give them the right of way? How would the cars and trucks all wanting to cross the intersection keep from running into each other as they vied for their opportunity to continue on their journey?

As I watched the orderly and smooth flowing scenario involving this particular mass of humanity unfold before me I marveled at its complexity and simplicity. Each participant in this mechanized and ambulatory dance deferred to one another at their appointed time and place. The vehicles stopped at the stop light behind the designated line within their individual lane waited patiently so the vehicles wanting to cross the street could do so. Then as indicated by a simple traffic light they would proceed through the intersection while the other vehicles gave way to them and their turn to continue on their way.

Pedestrians gave way to vehicles, then vehicles gave way to pedestrians. Each deferring to one another for the sake of orderly and safe travel. A great example of the rule of law and what is possible in a law-abiding society. But also an example of a seismic shift needing to take place in humanity’s mindset…

We hear much talk about ‘human rights’, ‘employee rights’, etc. – much discourse from a ‘rights-oriented’ mindset. However, I think this does not create true freedom alone. I think we need to begin to talk about ‘human responsibilities’ as well.

The street scene I just described of the busy Vancouver intersection is an example of human responsibilities: each member in that mechanized dance was accepting the responsibility to defer to the other participants when indicated to do so by the traffic lights. A red light means it’s your turn to defer to the other vehicles or pedestrians wanting to cross the street you are on. A green light for you means a red light for someone else. Accepting my responsibility to defer to you provides you with the freedom to proceed without fear or danger.

Accepting my responsibility to defer to you, while you accept your responsibility to defer to me creates a mutually beneficial freedom. It has been said that freedom is not the license to do what you want, but the ability to do what you ought.   A human responsibility-oriented mentality is a willingness to accept my responsibility to do what I ought so we can all experience the freedom of mutual deferral.

Demanding you give me the rights (of way) that I deserve is a confrontational strategy not conducive to true freedom of interaction. However, accepting my responsibility to limit myself for your benefit, while you do the same, is a collaborative and cooperative means to facility the true freedom of human interaction.

So, how does this apply to leadership? Well, as leaders we can facilitate talk within our organizations about employee ‘rights’, or we can facilitate the discussion and agreement upon the reciprocating ‘responsibilities’ of employees and employers. And, this is a process that leaders must initiate. If leaders initiate a process outlining the responsibilities they will carry and fulfill as employers on behalf of their employees, it sets the stage for a culture of relationship and trust as opposed to a culture of fear and intimidation.

Those with the power must initiate the discussion and acceptance of responsibilities. The responsibilities of those with the power sets the stage and is the spring board for the responsibilities of those who are subject to that power. It is a very simple, “I will do this so you are able to do that”, declaration.

It is a freedom built upon mutual deferral as opposed to mutual demands.

Human rights and human responsibilities. It’s time to emphasize and accept our responsibilities as humans and as leaders.