Democracy Is Hard Work

This week, we do something a little different—and a little shorter.

On Election Day, Bob recites Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. It takes less than three minutes to read, yet more than 160 years later, its words still remind us that democracy is precious, unfinished, and never guaranteed.

So, what does this have to do with HR and OD? Quite a lot, actually.

Lincoln speaks about enduring values—and the struggle and sacrifice required to keep them alive. The same is true in our organizations. It is easy to put values on a wall. It is much harder to live them when times are difficult, people disagree, or the pressure is on.

Democracy, like culture, takes work. It asks us to listen, participate, persevere, and remain committed to something larger than ourselves.

A short episode. A timeless message. And perhaps a good day to remember that “government of the people, by the people, for the people” depends upon the people—including us.