The Fourth of July is a day often filled with food, festivities, and fireworks in the US, as our nation celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But this day remembers something else.
Our celebration of Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect on our country—the progress we have made and the work we still have to do to strengthen our democracy and communities as we look to the future.
Like a successful business, democracy only works when all its parts are working well. The very skills that make up this great test are the very skills that spark the inspiration and innovation needed to develop ideas and sustain economic growth. In other words, civics is a 21st century business skill.
Critical thinking, problem solving, negotiation, curiosity, adaptability, shared risk-taking, and other so-called “soft skills” are increasingly being called “long-term skills” because there is nothing soft about them. In fact, a recent LinkedIn survey found that nine out of 10 global executives say they are more important than ever at work.
Cooperation and shared risk-taking
in government, facilitating and making decisions requires people to work together. Whether it’s manning a polling station on Election Day or serving on a municipal committee, getting things done involves working with others who may have views and opinions that are very different from your own.
Although the places where we live, houses of worship, schools and other places where we meet others may be the same, at work, we probably meet people who are different from us.
When team members with different perspectives and opinions can work respectfully and effectively together, organizations win. Companies and teams with long-lasting skills knowledge can be expected to deliver greater employee morale, improved product service or quality, and innovation, to name a few.
To resolve conflicts and solve problems
Failure to understand how our government works prevents people from finding common ground on basic issues. This lack of knowledge creates division, frustration, and ultimately, lack of character and an inability to communicate effectively with others, especially those who see the world differently.
Most Americans believe the tone of the nation is wrong (58%). However, when people have a shared understanding of organizations and processes, they can listen to the arguments of others and make their own strong arguments. By doing so, they can better use reason to compromise and manage conflict.
Sharpening negotiation skills
Think about how legislation is often created: Someone has an idea for change. Others may disagree. In an ideal world, they negotiate their differences, find common ground, and draft laws that reinforce a range of viewpoints.
Increasingly, managers are concerned about their team members’ unwillingness to compromise and inability to sit together and reach consensus. By most accounts, our founding fathers had very different and highly contested views. However, they were able to reach a consensus that became the foundation of our nation.
To train critical thinking
Although it is sometimes frowned upon, the work of judges is one of the most important ways that citizens participate in our system of governance.
Being a good judge requires strong evidence, questioning our assumptions, and asking good questions. These are the same critical thinking skills needed to make important organizational decisions.
Building leaders
Understanding and participating in the way our government is run teaches us how to work in complex systems, look for change, use good judgment and reason to achieve a goal. In short, social interaction creates leaders who can use those skills in many ways, including at work.
Americans are eager for employers to help build bridges, create healthy conversations, and strengthen cooperation in the communities they serve. Eighty-two percent of Americans believe that businesses can play a role in uniting our country, and nearly 75% of voters agree that businesses have a responsibility to protect our economic system and the national environment.
Businesses can take small but meaningful steps to improve community engagement. For example, employers may give their employees time off to work as non-participating poll workers during local, state, and national elections, addressing severe shortages across America. Or they can support employees selected for judicial service by providing resources to help them prepare for their jobs. They can also provide educational experiences that re-introduce employees to the basics of society, empowering them to learn more about how our government works and how to participate meaningfully. The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation runs one of the few such programs that helps employers develop social skills within their teams.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, now is the time for businesses to commit to promoting civic education and workplace skills.
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