Autonomy and the impact it has on individuals and teams’ can often pass largely unrecognised. Yet it has an important role to play in unlocking potential.

Autonomy is being shown to be a fundamental human need with research, indicating, (particularly in relation to chronic stress) its impact on blood pressure. More so than for example, marital status, drinking habits, educational background and even a sense of social wellbeing.

Even the slightest feeling of autonomy can substantially change an individual’s perception of an event or sequence of events for the better. Therefore, from a leadership point of view, it makes sense to consider ways in which increased autonomy can be woven into daily team activity.

It certainly drives another nail into the heart of micromanaging, which tends to do the opposite with micromanaging killing autonomy and, along with it, creativity, productivity, well-being and a general sense of happiness at work.