The ISDA Culture Hub
Strong Teams. Stronger Agriculture.
Autonomy - Run Your Race
Think Independently | Take Responsibility | Value Differences
Autonomy is about showing up with initiative and confidence. It's the balance between independence and alignment - thinking for yourself while staying connected to the team. When you lead with autonomy, you take ownership of outcomes, trust others to do the same, and respect that there's more than one right way to get it done.
Use the guide below to explore how autonomy shows up in your daily work - through independent thinking, accountability, and valuing differences. These behaviors build trust, spark innovation, and help every person and team move forward with integrity and momentum.
AUTONOMY Guide - Learn more about the 3 Behaviors + Strategies
Use it to practice taking initiative, owning results, and creating space for different approaches that
make your team stronger.
Grab What You Need
Scroll, click, download, share. Use it your way. These tools were built for the real work.
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(Designed to help you explore what ownership, independence, and accountability mean to you.)
Voice vs. Echo: What opinion have I softened to fit in?
Freedom Inventory: Where do I already have more control than I act like I do?
Micro-Ownership: What one small thing could I improve this week that no one asked me to?
Learning without Permission: What skill do I want to master whether it’s required or not?
Autonomy Affirmation: “I am capable of leading myself.” Write it once, then act on it once today.
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Listen
Read
Do
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(Designed to reconnect you with your sense of agency, presence, and purpose.)
Solo Reset Walk: Pause your day with a short, quiet walk - no phone, no distractions. Breathe, notice your thoughts, and reset your focus.
Focus Line: Draw a line on paper — each inch represents one minute of focused work. Stay with your task until you reach the end.
Digital Boundary: Close all tabs but one. Finish that task, then open the next.
Independent Note-taking: During a meeting, write your interpretation of what was said — not just what’s repeated.
Morning Intention: Say aloud - Today, I choose my response.
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(Designed to encourage clear thinking and steady self-direction.)
Strong Instrumental Beats (90–110 bpm): Builds momentum and decisiveness.
“Runner’s High” Playlists: Consistent beat for focus; perfect for “Run Your Race” mindset.
Alpha-Wave Focus (10 Hz): Enhances cognitive flow while reducing external noise.
Ambient Guitars / Post-Rock: Inspires deep thinking and problem-solving autonomy.
Personal Power Song: Pick one song that reminds you of your agency; keep it as your pre-meeting track.
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(Designed to strengthen self-direction by turning ideas into action.)
Run Your Race Map: Sketch a simple track; label milestones that matter to you, not external deadlines.
Color Zones: Shade 3 zones on paper: Red = Not Mine, Yellow = Shared, Green = Mine. Visual clarity of ownership.
Self-Signature Poster: Write your name in large strokes, then surround it with words that describe your leadership style.
Independent Idea Jar: Write one idea a week you’d pursue if no one had to approve it.
“Fix It” Sketch: Draw a recurring work frustration, then doodle one bold fix.
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