From Control to Enrollment: The Future of Work According to Seth Godin

Leadership has always been about influence, but the way we exert that influence is changing dramatically. The old industrial model favored control, compliance, and top-down authority. Today, these methods no longer suffice in a world that demands agility, creativity, and human connection.

Seth Godin introduces the concept of enrollment — the voluntary act of committing to a shared purpose. Unlike coercion, enrollment is built on trust, respect, and mutual engagement. This shift transforms organizations from machines into living systems where people choose to show up fully.

Enrollment requires leaders to embrace tension — the productive discomfort that sparks innovation — and to distinguish it from stress, which drains energy. By fostering environments where tension is welcomed, teams become more resilient and creative.

Real skills such as empathy, communication, and strategic thinking are essential to this new leadership model. They enable leaders to connect authentically, inspire others, and navigate complexity.

Decentralized decision-making, inspired by natural systems like honeybee democracy, further empowers teams. Instead of waiting for instructions, individuals take ownership and collaborate horizontally, accelerating progress and adaptability.

Leaders who enroll rather than command build cultures where mistakes are seen as learning, feedback flows freely, and voluntary turnover signals healthy renewal rather than failure.

Embracing enrollment is not easy; it demands courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to relinquish control. But the rewards are profound: organizations that thrive in complexity, inspire their people, and create lasting impact.

For leaders ready to transform their approach and build the future of work, embracing enrollment is the first step on an extraordinary journey.