The Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States in 1776, and is usually a day filled with food, festivities, and fireworks. But there’s more to celebrate on this day.
Our Independence Day celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on our country, the progress we’ve 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 if all of its components work well. The skills that produced this great experiment are the same skills that spark the inspiration and innovation we need for breakthrough ideas and continued economic growth. In other words, civics is the business skill of the 21st century.
Critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, curiosity, adaptability, risk-taking, and other so-called “soft skills” are often referred to as “enduring skills” because they’re not soft at all. In fact, in a recent LinkedIn survey, nine in ten executives worldwide said these skills are more important than ever in the workplace.
Collaboration and risk sharing
In government, people need to work together to make things work and make decisions. Whether it’s running the polls on Election Day or serving on a city council, working with other people who may have very different opinions and beliefs than you gets things done.
While the places where we gather with others, like our neighborhoods, churches, and schools, may be homogenous, in the workplace we are more likely to encounter people who are different from us.
Organizations thrive when team members with different opinions and perspectives can work together respectfully and effectively. Companies and teams that excel at sustained skills can expect to see a variety of positive outcomes, including improved employee morale, improved product service and quality, and greater innovation.
De-escalate conflicts and resolve problems
Without understanding how government works, people are unable to find common ground on fundamental issues. This lack of knowledge breeds division and discontent, and ultimately incivility, making it impossible to communicate effectively, especially with people who see the world differently.
A majority of Americans believe the national climate is uncivil (58%). However, when there is a shared understanding of structures and processes, people are better able to listen to others’ arguments and develop compelling rationales of their own. This allows them to better use reason to compromise and manage conflict.
Develop your negotiation skills
Think about the way laws are typically created: Someone has an idea for change. Others might oppose it. In an ideal world, they would discuss their differences, find common ground, and draft a law that strengthens the various perspectives.
Managers are increasingly concerned that their team members are unwilling to compromise and cannot sit down together and reach an agreement. By many accounts, our founding fathers had vastly different opinions and argued fiercely. But they reached a compromise that became the foundation of our country.
Develop critical thinking skills
Although it may be disappointing at times, jury duty is one of the most important ways Americans participate in our system of governance.
Being a good juror requires you to consider the evidence, question your own biases, and ask the right questions — the same critical thinking skills needed to make important decisions in any organization.
Developing leaders
By understanding and participating in how government operates, people learn how to work within complex systems, navigate change, and use good judgment and reason to achieve goals. In short, civic engagement develops leaders who can apply those skills in a variety of ways, including in the workplace.
Americans are eager to see their employers build bridges, create healthier dialogue, and strengthen cooperation in the communities they serve: 82% of Americans believe businesses can play a role in uniting the country, and nearly 75% of voters agree that businesses have a responsibility to protect our economic system and the nation’s environment.
Companies can take small but meaningful steps to promote social engagement. For example, employers can address severe labor shortages across the U.S. by offering employees time off to serve as nonpartisan poll workers during local, state, and national elections. Or they can support employees selected for jury service by providing resources to help them prepare for their assignments. They can also provide educational experiences that refresh employees on social basics, giving them the opportunity to learn about how government works and how to participate meaningfully. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation runs one of several initiatives to help employers boost social skills within their teams.
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, now is the time for the business community to step up civic education and skills in the workplace.
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