What Kind of Leaders Does Permissive Parenting Create? Experts on Finding Balance Between Freedom and Responsibility

On 4 September 2025, DOBA University of Applied Sciences hosted a round table “Permissive Parenting and Future Leaders – Between Freedom, Responsibility and Psychological Maturity”, which brought together experts in psychology, education and management. Participants included Dr Leonida Zalokar, Director of the Planina Professional Centre; Marijana Kolenko, MA, Headteacher of Lava Primary School; Dr Marko Divjak, researcher and university lecturer at DOBA Faculty; Danijel Vuk, Director of Termo Shop; and Dr Daša Grajfoner, Head of the Centre for Business Coaching and university lecturer at DOBA University of Applied Sciences. The event was moderated by the institution’s Director, Jasna Dominko Baloh.

The discussion, attended by more than 250 participants – most of them online – shed light on how educational trends that emphasise freedom at the expense of responsibility affect the shaping of future generations of leaders and society as a whole.

Permissive Parenting as a Systemic Trap

The central theme of the round table was the issue of permissive parenting, which often means a lack of clear boundaries and structure in raising children. Dr Zalokar described permissive parenting as a “systemic trap” that prevents children from developing inner self-discipline. As a result, such individuals often struggle to manage their emotions and decisions, which in the long term affects their ability to function within a community. She warned of the threat this poses to social values and community integrity, stressing the need for a redefinition of parenting.

Building on her observations, Mag. Kolenko highlighted the issue from the practical perspective of the school system. She added that permissive parenting without clear boundaries harms children and causes long-term negative effects in society, such as maladaptive behaviour, disrespect and a lack of values. She underlined the necessity of decisive educational action both at home and in schools. While schools can act as a buffer to the home environment, responsibility for upbringing must be shared between teachers and parents.

Leadership in a World Without Boundaries

Dr Divjak explained how the consequences of permissive parenting manifest in the business world. Leaders raised in permissive environments often excel in empathy and creativity, yet find it more difficult to deal with responsibility, discipline and meeting deadlines. Such individuals may thrive in more flexible environments, such as start-ups, but in structured organisations they require additional support. He added that these shortcomings can be mitigated through structured interventions that encourage the development of self-efficacy, responsibility and perseverance.

Vuk offered an economic perspective. He stressed that today’s businesses need leaders who are authentic, adaptable and able to connect different generations through values such as responsibility, diligence and cooperation. In his view, “the true leader of the future will know how to link freedom with responsibility and unite people, technology and vision into a common story.” The example set by a leader for their team is of crucial importance.

The discussion did not remain purely analytical but also offered possible solutions. Dr Grajfoner highlighted the role of coaching in leader development. Coaching enables future leaders to overcome limiting upbringing patterns and develop the psychological maturity needed for authentic leadership. According to her, this approach helps build more conscious, responsible and empathetic leaders, capable of creating strong and psychologically resilient teams.

Permissive Parenting and Future Leaders – Round Table

The round table showed that permissive parenting is not merely an academic issue but a challenge that touches the very foundations of society. Experts agreed that balance between freedom and responsibility must be re-established, with active involvement from all who shape society – from parents and the education system to businesses.

Through this event, DOBA University of Applied Sciences once again confirmed its commitment to interdisciplinary cooperation, responsiveness to social needs and open debate on the kind of future we wish to create – not only as an educational institution, but as part of the wider community contributing to the development of a responsible and resilient society.