“A republic (company), if you can keep it.” Benjamin Franklin
The preamble to the United States Constitution reads, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Here is the reference to the text of the Constitution. It’s a nice example for a business or organization which desires to succeed and endure as our nation has for 250 years.
Welcome to installment number seven of my leadership celebration of America 250. If you are just joining me, I invite you to visit my earlier installments found right here in my Substack account. I’m on the other end of our nation’s 250th Birthday – the Semiquincentennial which I celebrated in grand fashion at the beach with family and friends. I’m also on the other end of a reunion with paratroopers I fought with in Afghanistan at a ceremony honoring our unit. This year I’ll celebrate 10-years since my retirement from a 27-year military career. A baby boy was born! A parent will turn 80 and I’ll celebrate my forty year high school graduation. I might even get a tattoo! Keep you posted! I have much to celebrate this year but the Semiquincentennial eclipses all of it and the celebration continues. Because of this, I’ll continue to celebrate the best way I know how – writing about leadership.
We are indeed the beneficiaries of the wisdom, courage, and leadership of our founding fathers. As I pondered 2026 late last year, I thought about my writings – where I would take them, specifically, what topics I’d cover to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. I knew before I wrote the first sentence there would be a surplus of leadership lessons to recall and refresh for the America we live in today – for leadership. The preamble to the U.S. Constitution came to mid the other day and I thought, “of course!” “This is what a business is trying to achieve – “to form a more perfect union,” or business. I’m late with this one but it is still July so I’m still inside the month! I think the Founding Fathers would approve!
I started this blog with the text of the Constitution’s preamble as a reminder of the gift our founding fathers left us. It is our duty as American citizens to honor and uphold the Constitution and, when necessary, make appropriate changes to it through the institutions and systems they created. I swore an oath to support and defend it with my life so it has special meaning to me. The U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1787 following a summer of intense dialog and debate. Many of the founding fathers were not completely pleased with it. Many thought it would not survive. And here we are 239 years later with that document – the law of the land still intact. Amazing! Let me now translate it for our use leading companies and organizations. It is powerful.
“We the People of the United States,”can be translated as, “We the employees (or teammates) of XYZ Company.” This powerful opening statement brings clarity immediately to the articles and text which follow. A King, or in our modern times, a CEO should not be the one who creates the law, culture, or guidance in a vacuum. He or she may craft its words, but the power invested in them to do so comes from their people – the very lifeblood of a company. Without them, they are not a leader. With out the U.S. citizenry, there is no U.S. government. The best leaders keep this foremost in their mind. When I commanded a brigade in the U.S. Army, I knew it was not mine. Rather, I was a steward of it. In my small business, I am indeed the owner, but I never make big decisions without the input of my people. Indeed, they want me to “govern,” but I never do so without the “representation” of my people. They can cast their vote with their feet, meaning, they can choose to leave if they feel they are under a dictatorship lacking their personal and or team representation.
“in Order to form a more perfect Union.”I love this part because it indicates that the organization has not achieved perfection – which is every organization. Rather, it strives for a better version of itself, or it strives to achieve an inspiring vision. Such is the case for America on our quest for a better nation and a better freedom This quest is governed by the officials that American citizens, ‘the people’ elect. Companies create missions and visions to guide them; to grow and create a more perfect version of themselves. Moreover, companies strive to “form a more perfect Union,” between teams and teammates.
“establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility … promote the general Welfare.” Of course! Leaders and companies establish justice underscored by a set of values, culture, company policies, and behaviors (the XYZ way!). They ensure tranquility promoting selflessness, teamwork, and managing and establishing calm in conflict. Leaders have the responsibility to ensure the general welfare of their people. They ensure this welfare by forming and fostering healthy work environments and by being the protector and champion of their people.
“secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…” Translated, “secure the blessings of liberty,” means every member of an organization benefits from the blessings of company success. This may mean monetary gain, personal or professional growth, fulfillment from work, or all the above. This blessing will be both, bestowed upon current members, and preserved for future generations. Work done today will benefit those who follow – ‘posterity.’
Establish and ordain your own Constitution formally or informally. You don’t need to spend a summer of debate to do this. Set some standards. Describe your culture and espouse it. Establish a set of values for everyone to uphold. Be the standard bearer and caretaker of your Constitution. Protect your people and create tranquility. Model the U.S. Constitution. Follow the example of the Founding Fathers. Happy 250th America!
Rob Campbell
