Convened in Philadelphia on May 19, 1775, shortly after the launch of the
American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress comprised
58 men ranging in age from 26 to 70, Benjamin Franklin being the eldest.
Fifty-six of them eventually signed the Declaration of Independence. Their
political and occupational spectrum was broad, divergent on myriad issues.
There was a blend of those with agrarian and mercantile interests, varying
educational levels, religions, and views on the role of government. Were
they otherwise diverse in ways more recognized today? No. Indeed, had
women, African Americans, and Native Americans been involved, they
might have completed the task better, in half the time, but such were the
times.
This band of independent thinkers was united by the quest for freedom from
the monarchal tyranny of the British Crown. They sought control of their
lives and ultimately the governance of an emerging nation. Their passion
and purpose were united for the rights and good of all. Partisanship, what
there was of it, was subordinated for the greater good. Bound together in
common purpose, many became one, The United States of America.
246 years later, our nation faces an existential crisis, as leadership has
given way to tribalism and the "united" in United States of America seems
to have gone missing. We no longer command the world stage, have lost
two twenty-year wars, despite having the most capable military in history,
and give every appearance of a people suffering from ADHD.
So, what leadership lessons might we borrow from our founders and apply
today? Eight principles from our past come to mind:
Be Laser-Focused And Action-Oriented On Things
That Matter
Our founders put their differences aside for the sole purpose of creating a
free and independent country. They didn't waste energy or one another's
time with theatrics or petty partisanship. They took decisive action for the
common good while rising above partisanship. One person, one vote, one
decision keyed to the national interest. Move on. Their priorities were clear
and understood. We've got work to do on that.
Have Moral Courage
With the Declaration of Independence in 1776, our forefathers (and Mothers)
risked it all, not just their treasure, but their very lives for their beliefs. They
played for keeps. Too often today, "risk" is not appearing on a favored cable
"news" show, losing Twitter followers, or heaven help us…not getting reelected!
We must match the level of courage demonstrated by our forebears,
go all-in, put selfish interest aside, elect and follow leaders with the integrity
and fortitude to do what is right, regardless of what might be best for them
personally. We mustn't be too timid or selfish to be those leaders, when
called.
Listen To Diverse Viewpoints With Open Minds
Unanimity of opinion was far from the case in 1776. Our founders had many
conflicting opinions and beliefs. By setting differences aside in pursuit of
solutions aimed to do the greatest good, they crafted policies that, while not
perfect for any one individual, were workable for a new nation. They did so
because they were willing to look at opposing points of view with real
curiosity, and their hearts were in the right place. Leaders listen to and
welcome ideas apart from theirs and are willing to give and take to move
forward. On this count, I am heartened by the growing inclusion of women,
minorities, and youth in both corporate and political roles of power. The
listening dividend alone will improve exponentially.
My grandson proudly affirms that it's going to be up to his generation to make a difference. He's right, but we can help smoothen their path. Our younger generations have talent, energy, empathy, and drive. We owe them role models, education, resource, and principled debate of solutions. It's our duty to grab the mantle, light the path, and then get out of their way.
Get Back To Winning!
Mutual respect and trust are the glue to a winning team, and America needs
to start winning again. Leadership requires treating everyone with dignity, and building upon a common bond of shared values and purpose. It also involves
holding everyone, but first ourselves accountable as dues paying
stakeholders in the American experiment.
Communicate Openly, Civilly, Meaningfully
Little is accomplished without a free flow of ideas, interests, and possibilities.
Face-to-face unfiltered discussions lead to better ideas and outcomes. We
have allowed ourselves to be hijacked by the extremes of our political
process…the far left and the far right. No one else is to blame. We've done
it to ourselves, and we can undo it. If you live in Oklahoma, the "enemy" isn't
someone in California or New York. They're not the ones taking food out of
the mouths of your babies.
Speak The Truth
Social media is a communication channel but not always truthful. Leaders
must speak the truth even when inconvenient or politically out of step, and
openly share it so the public can make decisions based on facts rather
than rhetoric. While we're at it, let's "speak", not shout, and be considerate
enough to listen when others are talking.
Care Unselfishly About Others
The nation's founders truly cared about their countrymen. Their "why" was
to create a more perfect union. Today, politicians' single-mindedness seems
to be toward power and re-election while being subservient to monied
supporters and lobbyists. Perhaps we should consider reverting to part-time
politicians as they once were, and imposition of term limits; thereby
electing folks who are in it for the right reasons, have a naked sense of duty,
and a real-life to get back to on a regular basis. Leaders are servants who
know why they are there, care deeply about and report to those whom they
represent. We can do this again.
Perhaps That Is You
Flaws and all, this remains a great country! Though in many respects we
seem to have lost our way, I sense that there is still a voice of the people, a
gathering heartbeat. I wholeheartedly encourage you to celebrate our
independence today, and every day. Send a message calling for principled
leadership to your elected representatives, and those who would take their
places. Be a leader and voice for positive change, starting right in your own
household, your neighborhood. What are you waiting for? The time is now.
God bless America!
Jay McDonald
July 4, 2021