The Fourth of July in the United States is typically a day of food, festivities, and fireworks as our nation celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But this day also commemorates something else.
Our celebration of Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect on our country – on the progress we have made and on the work we still need to do to look to the future to strengthen our democracy and our communities.
Like a successful business, democracy only works when all of its components work well. The skills that made this great experiment possible are the same ones that spark the inspiration and innovation needed for breakthrough ideas and sustained economic growth. In other words, civics is a 21st century business skill.
Critical thinking, problem solving, negotiation skills, curiosity, adaptability, shared risk-taking and other so-called “soft skills” are increasingly being referred to as “durable skills” because there is nothing soft about them. In fact a recent LinkedIn survey found that nine out of 10 executives worldwide say they are more important in the workplace than ever before.
Cooperation and shared risk-bearing
Government requires people to work together to support and make decisions. Whether it’s managing a polling station on election day or serving on a community committee, getting things done requires working with others who may have very different opinions and ideas to your own.
Our neighborhoods, houses of worship, schools, and other places where we gather with others may be homogeneous, but in the workplace we are likely to encounter people who are different from us.
When team members with different opinions and perspectives can work together respectfully and effectively, companies succeed. Companies and teams that have sustainable skills can expect higher employee morale, improved product service or quality, and greater innovation. name a few.
Defuse conflicts and solve problems
The lack of understanding of how our government works prevents people from finding common ground on fundamental issues. This lack of knowledge leads to division, frustration, and ultimately, rudeness and the inability to communicate effectively with others, especially those who see the world differently.
Most Americans believe The tone of the nation is rude (58%). However, when people have a shared understanding of organizations and processes, they can listen to others’ arguments and make their own compelling arguments. This way, they can better use their reason to reach compromises and manage conflict.
Sharpen your negotiation skills
Think about how laws are often drafted: someone has an idea for a change. Others may disagree. Ideally, they discuss their differences, find common ground, and draft laws that are strengthened by the inclusion of diverse viewpoints.
Managers are increasingly affected about their team members’ unwillingness to compromise and inability to sit together and reach an agreement. Many accounts say that our founding fathers had wildly different opinions and argued fiercely. However, they were able to reach compromises that became the foundation of our nation.
Train critical thinking
Although it may be frowned upon at times, mandatory jury participation is one of the most important ways for citizens to participate in our system of government.
Being a good juror requires weighing evidence, challenging your own biases, and asking good questions. These are the same critical thinking skills needed to make important organizational decisions.
Building leaders
When we understand and participate in how our government is run, we learn how to operate in complex systems, manage change, and use our judgment and reason to achieve a goal. In short, civic engagement develops leaders who can apply these skills in a variety of ways, including in the workplace.
Americans want their employers to build bridges, encourage healthier discourse, and strengthen collaboration in the communities they serve. 82 percent of Americans believe that businesses can help unite our country, and nearly 75% of voters agree that businesses have a responsibility to protect our economic system and our national environment.
Companies can take small but meaningful steps to encourage civic engagement. For example, employers can give employees time off to serve as nonpartisan poll workers in local, state and national elections, addressing a critical shortage across America. Or they can support employees selected for jury duty by providing them with resources to help them prepare for their duties. They can also provide educational opportunities that reinforce the basics of civil rights to employees and empower them to learn more about how our government works and how they can participate meaningfully. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is leading one of several initiatives to help employers improve the civic skills of their teams.
As we prepare for Independence Day celebrations, now is the time for the business community to advocate for better civic education and skills in the workplace.
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