This past week was filled with patriotic observances celebrating our nation’s Independence Day and 250th anniversary. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those of us privileged to be living here in the United States at this time in the history of our great nation. The celebrations started in my hometown of Falmouth, MA on July 1st with the Falmouth 250 Committee-sponsored unveiling of a granite marker and plaque commemorating the Battle of Falmouth and the 250th.
A Message from the Constitution
Massachusetts State Representative Thomas Moakley served as one of several guest speakers. His remarks focused on our Constitution. That caught my attention. I believe every person living in the United States should be familiar with our foundational documents. Sadly, that powerful history is often lacking in today’s classrooms. So it was with pleasure that I listened intently to what Representative Moakley had to say. His statement, “The words of the Constitution are self-evident but not self-fulfilling,” strongly resonated. He went on to elaborate on how each of us has a duty to do our part to help fulfill the intent of the Constitution and make our society work for everyone.
Doing your Part
To me, that means reaching out one’s hand to give, not to take. People can become narrowly and inwardly focused on, “what’s in it for me.” We look around us, including on social media, and see others who appear to have so much more. As the old saying goes, “comparison is the thief of contentment.” I feel like we’re living in times when people want more for the sake of more—to keep up with others—not necessarily because they need more. That can spawn a “taker” mentality. And that’s dangerous for a democracy. Think of the powerful message delivered by President John F. Kennedy during his inaugural address in Washington, DC on January 20th, 1961 with these famous words:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
Just as powerful, but not as well-known is the next line of President Kennedy’s address:
“My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
A Moral Responsibility
Together, those lines, and Representative Moakely’s talk about the words of the Constitution being self-evident but not self-fulfilling, charge us all with a great responsibility. We must lean in to do our part, be it as individuals or as leaders, to make our workplace, home, nation, and world a better place. We must each reach out our hand to meet others where they are and help bring them up to where they need to be. Here are a few hints—mostly common-sense reminders—on how to be a person who helps fulfill the intent of the Constitution by paying forward all that has been given to you. Be the one who:
- Becomes an active member of your community—volunteer!
- Reaches out to mentor, coach, or support a colleague at work.
- Fills the water purifier and makes a fresh pot of coffee (these can be simple things!)
- Makes your community and the world a better place by respecting and protecting the environment…start with your own yard or community space…plant a tree instead of cutting one down!
- Respects and obeys laws, policies, rules, regulations…sets the example and models the way.
- Is responsible for your own actions and who holds others responsible for theirs.
- Sets, maintains, and enforces high standards, “the standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
- Does more than the minimum required.
- Volunteers to wash the dishes (yes, these can be simple things!)
- Is respectful and considerate of others.
- Meets people where they are to try and understand where they’re coming from.
Look in the mirror: As a leader, what can you do to help those in your workplace, your community, and family take pride in being givers?
Please join me again next time for more on Leading with Character.
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