Who’s Really in Charge?

This weekend our nation celebrated another birthday with parades, community gatherings, speeches, and lots of fireworks. Have you ever wondered what the “founding fathers” were thinking 232 years ago when they made the momentous decision to launch this improbable experiment we now call The United States of America? How did they know that our particular blend of freedom and liberty would last?

Perhaps the jury is still out regarding my latter question. One thing is clear, these leaders chose to do something that has played a role in the success of our nation – they decided to put the people in charge. Instead of consolidating power and control in a central entity these leaders saw the wisdom of giving ordinary citizens a voice in their own futures. They decided to trust the basic human instincts of love, goodness, kindness, justice, and fairness that they saw and experienced with each other.

Today’s business, government, community, and religious leaders would do well to adopt this same model of shared leadership. When a leader decides that position, title, or experience can be used to wield power and control, those who are following never benefit. But when a leader adopts a servant attitude, and readily shares power and authority with those who are following, the atmosphere changes. By trusting those they are leading, these leaders invite a shared approach to achieving success.

Followers are attracted to servant leaders. They sense their authenticity, feel their love, and know they are being trusted to do the right things. This freedom can be abused, but typically is not because the followers understand that to do so violates the covenant of trust that is offered when leaders share their power. Instead, the entire organization benefits from a sense of personal responsibility that results in better productivity, higher quality, and greater satisfaction.

The founding leaders of our nation knew that if the people were actually in charge, then no one person or entity could gain too much power. If the people’s voice was protected and their rights preserved the principles of freedom and liberty would last. While our nation has experienced highs and lows, the ideals that attract so many to our shores remain strong.

Could it be that the lesson of Independence Day is as much about leadership as it is about governance, freedom, and history? If your idea of leadership is being in charge it’s time to look in a mirror. The face staring back at you was not created to rule, but to serve. Just as our nation’s “founding fathers” trusted others to realize their dream, you are invited to do the same. Two hundred years from now what will they be writing about you?