Each July 4, I ponder the words of our nation's founders – looking for guidance still relevant more than 230 years later. I'm just grateful that polls and public opinion polls and the Internet weren't around back then. Wikipedia contributors might have edited Jefferson's original text to read something like this:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people. . . to assume . . . the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them . . . they should" forget about it, because it sounds so hard, might offend people and probably won't work anyway.

"We hold these truths to be self evident:"

• that we're going to mess up if we govern ourselves;

• that we need British navy protection from Barbary Coast pirates;

• that it'll be too cold in Valley Forge with global cooling coming;

• that our King is a kindly father who treats us like his prized children;

• that independent people are selfish troublemakers;

• that we feel safe when others take care of us.

"We, therefore … solemnly … declare" perpetual "allegiance to the British Crown" and other caretakers. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine" Politicians, we hereby surrender to anyone providing free stuff "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." We're more comfortable without these burdens.

How inspiring!

A poll taken on July 5, 1776, probably would have found the following reactions among Americans to the new Declaration of Dependence.

• 33% For.

• 33% Against.

• 33% Undecided.

Does this matter today?

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty disgusted with everyone insisting on others to take care of them: bankers, car companies, unions, home owners, old people, young people. Everyone wants bailouts and entitlement programs: Save my bank, job, car, mortgage, health, etc.

Compared to the Founding Fathers' fiery words and deeds, do people today lack the character and fortitude of 1776? Surprisingly, my answer is no. The comfort-craving, risk-adverse dependence movement has been with us since long before 1776. The big difference is whether independent people or dependent people set the agenda. When the Founding Fathers marched out of Independence Hall, they had the same difficult task we face today – convincing people who crave safety, comfort and dependence to take risks, suffer and live independently.

How does that apply to your business? Maybe the first step in saving the nation is promoting independence in your business:

• Counteract dependence-creating media messages your team receives.

• Recognize that people become risk adverse in difficult economic times and compensate for that reality.

• Remind your team that not losing isn't the same as winning.

• Step back. Don't fix everything yourself. Don't play big momma or daddy. Tell your team: "Bring me solutions, not problems."

• Reward bold plans and action.

• Take responsibility. Have you created barriers to initiative? Review policies you implemented when the economic downturn started. Lost opportunities are beginning to outweigh cost savings.

• Throw an "Independence" office party to signal a new direction – "Power to the People!"

• Encourage your team to identify new opportunities and act on them.

Your team is the same as back in 1776:

• 33% ready to "kick …"

• 33% scared and dependent.

• 33% confused and uncommitted.

If you stop managing your business like a comfortable Tory afraid of losing the king's protection, the right 33 percent will prevail. It's up to you.

Make Jefferson proud.

For further information regarding the issues described above, please contact James F. Verdonik.

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This article is not intended to give, and should not be relied upon for, legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. No action should be taken in reliance upon the information contained in this article without obtaining the advice of an attorney.