I am a shameless optimist when it comes to democracy.  The idea that citizens should govern themselves was and is a radical notion.  In balance with self-government, our founders also guaranteed individuals rights to be free and to pursue happiness.

It is amazing to me that we cherish democracy and individual freedom in our political system, but abandon these ideals when we go to work each day.  In too many organizations, dictators, monarchs and masters still rule, because the culture of management keeps them stuck in the past.  Employees are treated, not as equals, but as inferiors, raw materials and hired hands.

Imagine a workplace where employees are treated as citizens and full participants, with inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Imagine a workplace where employees are fully engaged because their innate talents are nurtured into strengths that align with organizational goals.  Everyone wins and productivity increases exponentially.

Well, you may say, work is different.  Businesses and bureaucracies are not democracies.   Business owners, shareholders and elected officials govern organizations–not the people who work in them.  While this may be technically true, the management mindset that stems from this thinking reinforces behaviors that alienate employees.  If managers want engaged employees, they would be wise to embrace principles of democracy that emphasize individuality and promote the pursuit of happiness.  Excellent managers find creative ways to integrate democracy into the structure of business and bureaucracy.  

To learn more about how to bring democratic principles into your organization, check out my book, Management Culture:  Innovative & Bold Strategies to Engage Employees at mgmtculture.com or Amazon.

 Happy Independence Day!