# Earned autonomy explained | Propel

Source: https://runpropel.com/glossary/earned-autonomy

Glossary

# What is earned autonomy?

Earned autonomy is Propel's name for how much it may do on its own. Each channel starts at "It drafts, you approve", can climb a step only on measured results, and never passes a limit set for that channel. One bad claim drops it back.

## What are the steps?

- It suggests. Ideas only.
- It drafts, you approve. Nothing goes out without your yes.
- It posts unless you stop it. It waits a set time so you can stop it.
- It runs on its own. For the channels where that is safe.

## Why not let it do everything from day one?

An assistant that has never worked for you hasn't shown it knows your product, your voice or your buyers. Trust is earned the same way with a new hire: small things first, more as the work proves itself.

## Where are the limits?

Some channels never run fully on their own. Cold email stops at "It posts unless you stop it". Communities stay at "It suggests". Posts in your own name wait for you until that channel has earned the right to go on its own, and you can take that back at any time. The full table is on [Approvals and limits](https://runpropel.com/approvals), and the guide [How channels earn more freedom](https://runpropel.com/guides/channel-steps) explains how a step is earned.

Where Propel does this

[Approvals and limits →](https://runpropel.com/approvals)

Related terms

- [Show HN](https://runpropel.com/glossary/show-hn)
- [Cold-email warm-up](https://runpropel.com/glossary/cold-email-warm-up)
- [Product-led content](https://runpropel.com/glossary/product-led-content)
- [All terms](https://runpropel.com/glossary)