Celebration or Self Reflection?

Happy 249th, America!

Happy?

We’re supposed to be celebrating. But something feels off.

Don’t shy away. Lean in on what still works, what  matters most, and the impact you want to leave for the next 249 years.

This week’s edition explores  that.

Let’s do (more) good (better)—with clear-eyed patriotism—together.

A Good Quote

“The price of freedom is responsibility.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

A Good Note

Walk With Purpose This Independence Day

The 4th of July is supposed to feel simple.

Parades, picnics, fireworks, and flags. Red, white, and blue wrapped in tradition and patriotic pride.

But if you're like a lot of people I know (myself included) it doesn't feel so simple this year.

We’re celebrating freedom in a moment where many feel conflicted about what that word really means and to whom it applies.

The gap between what we say we stand for - liberty and justice for all - and what we actually experience (to say nothing of what we see on the news) feels pretty wide.

It’s not  a partisan thing. It’s a people thing. There’s a shared ache that the American promise isn’t living up to itself.

So what do we do?

Dig deep. Think hard. Lean in to the conversation. Not by debating politics at the picnic table, but by seeking to rediscover the shared foundation we’re supposed to be standing on.

Let’s talk with one another about freedom as a function. Not as a symbol, but as a tool to set America up for the next 249 years of independence…with liberty and justice for all. 

Center the conversation on what that means, to whom it applies (let’s dig deep on this “for all” part, friends), and what must be true for America to be celebrating what makes it great 249 more years from now.

Need Help?

Here’s a Star Spangled Scott Take for Holiday Table Talk 

(I’ll be trying to take this advice myself…)

5 Ways to Have Better Conversations This 4th of July 1.  Listen to understand, not to win.

2.  Find shared values before sharp views.

3.  Use “Yes, and…” instead of “Yes, but…”

4.  Show your values through tone, not just takes.

5.  Get curious, not furious.

Easier said than done, of course, but the win is in the doing and the effort and example is worth it.

A Good Example

Presidential Leadership Scholars Program

(Application Window Open until July 20th!)

From PLS:

Presidential Leadership Scholars brings together bold and principled leaders who are committed to facing critical challenges, both at home and around the world, and who are interested in exploring lessons learned during the administrations of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.  

Each year, a diverse group of mid-career professionals begin a journey to hone their leadership abilities through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business and civic leaders.

From Me:

I love PLS and have seen firsthand the transformative impact it has had on its participants over the past decade. I’m proud to have been part of the original birth of this joint initiative between four presidential foundations and I love helping with the application review and interview process each year.  The applicants are impressive and inspiring and give me hope for the future leadership of our country and the world.

So if you needed some inspiration to apply, here it is:

You should apply - yes, you!

But the application window closes July 20th.  

So…

Apply Now

A Good Recommendation

Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents by Mark K. Updegrove

Mark leads the LBJ Library & Museum and is involved in the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. He’s a great leader, journalist, and author.

His latest book draws on interviews and conversations with seven presidents to identify the essence of character, leadership, and legacy that has defined each of them and the modern American presidency.

Timely. Relevant. Worth a read.

Grab your copy now.

A Good Question

What’s a value you still believe unites us as Americans - even in divided times?

Click to Answer

Share the Good!

Share this to someone you think should apply to PLS. Tell them NOW is the time! They’ll appreciate the nudge. 

Check out prior editions here