Whenever we talk to a company about a ROWE, we often get the response ‘we’re flexible’. However, the nanosecond someone starts mentioning ‘flexibility’, they’ve shifted focus away from results.

The difference between the ‘we’re flexible’ work environment and a ROWE is the language, focus and attitudes are totally different. Because in a ROWE, it’s all about results. Not face-time. Not putting in time. Not tracking time. Not doing time.

“We’re Flexible”: Can I leave early?

ROWE: I’m an adult. I come and go using common sense.

“We’re Flexible”: I did my tasks for the week.

ROWE: Is everyone clear on the outcome?

“We’re Flexible”: I get rewarded for effort.

ROWE: I get rewarded for customer satisfaction/results.

“We’re Flexible”: I get three weeks of vacation a year!

ROWE: I manage my time – all of the time.

“We’re Flexible”: I’m quadruple booked in meetings. (How did you collaborate with all those people at the same time? And when they ask why you weren’t at their meeting, I suppose you can brag about how busy you are.)

ROWE: I don’t brag to show my importance. I don’t make lame-o excuses.

“We’re Flexible”: We need more staff to do all of this work.

ROWE: How can we be more effective?

“We’re Flexible”: We have a fitness center!

ROWE: I go to the gym wherever I choose.

“We’re Flexible”: There will be no merit increases this year.

ROWE: Thank you for my freedom.

The ‘we’re flexible’ work environment is all about entitlement. ROWE is all about opportunity. The ‘we’re flexible’ work environment is about schedules. ROWE is all about accountability. The ‘we’re flexible’ work environment uses time as currency. Paying for results is the new currency.

So the next time you ask a company if they’re a ROWE and they say ‘yes, we’re flexible’, you’ll know the truth.

Tags: Face time, Flexibility, Freedom, ROWE