Celebrating your business’ founding can be a communal experience

Last week, the Fourth of July, we celebrated the 241st anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the day marking the formal establishment of the United States of America.

Among the cultural elements of our country, the celebration of the Fourth of July brings forth activities and events that are a part of the national memory and a time that brings us together. The parades, barbecues, carnivals, baseball games, family gatherings, etc., are all components of the traditions of the day. At the celebrations I attended, it was a total community experience.

Flags, food, fireworks and other items are purchased for the Fourth of July celebration. One would think that the celebrations, both public and private, firework displays, live musical entertainment, food and beverages, provide a positive economic increase across the country. It appears to me that there has been an increase in flag themed clothing and other items ranging from paper plates to baseball socks. I have not checked, but I think it would be nice if most of the Fourth of July celebratory items were made in the USA.

During the fireworks display I attended, for those few moments, almost all eyes were on the fireworks display. Cellphones, as indicated by the number held in recording positions, were primarily being used to photograph or record the fireworks’ lights, sounds and colors. For a few minutes almost everyone at the gathering was connected in a way that has been a communal experience for many years.

Does the culture of your organization have a signature cultural experience, shared by all? When was the founding of your organization? Is your organization’s origin story known to your teammates and shared with your customers?

There are benefits of celebrating the founding of your organization. Allow me to mention three, briefly.

• A positive connection to the past can assist with the grounding of an individual, group or organization. Knowing one’s story is empowering. It can provide an internal strength for an individual or an organization.

• Creating an experience that celebrates and shares your origin can offer to your customers and others a new sense of your mission and intentions. It is a great way to share insight and offer your perspective on the future. Social media and electronic communications with your customers can provide the space for a brief awareness campaign.

• Lastly, a signature activity that brings your team together physically or virtually can have far-reaching impacts on teamwork, communications and performance. Whether an extensive or a simple experience, for a few minutes or an entire day, such an event can have communal benefits. The recognition of the creation of your organization is unique. Also, if you have not held the observation in the past, there is no time like the present.

A celebration of your organization or your country can be great reminder of the mission and objectives of the entity. Every year a friend of mine reads the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. Next year, give it a try and see how you and those who hear your reading are affected.