July 4th is more than parades, picnics & fireworks. It is Independence Day in the U.S., commemorating the 1776 signing of the thirteen colonies’ declaration of independence from Great Britain.

Although this historic event was 239 years ago, wisdom from the signatories still applies to what we do today.

The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions. – John Hancock (the first to sign)

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it. – Benjamin Franklin (the oldest signer, 70 yrs)

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. -Thomas Jefferson (drafted the document)

I hope you’ll pause for a moment this weekend and remember the real reason for the holiday. Happy birthday, USA!

Tuesday Tidbits are weekly messages I send to my leadership team. They are generally short & sweet, often focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, motivational. I hope you also find some meaning in them.

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