July 3, 2025

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We are just a day away from the 4th of July and a three-day weekend. The parties will start on Thursday Night and really begin on Friday, continuing until Monday. This is a great time to get together as we celebrate the birthday of the United States with barbecue and fireworks. Everyone, regardless of their particular views, can rally around this event, where the Declaration of Independence proclaimed the colony’s independence from the most powerful country in the World, Great Britain.

“We are in the very midst of a revolution,” The most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of nations.”.

John Adams

As we approach another Independence Day, there is a strong need to remember that this Fourth of July, like many in our history, is fraught with peril. We are divided, and many report less pride about being an American. We are faced with the need to learn from our founding fathers about doing the right things for the right reasons, not for personal gain, but for the best interests of all. We celebrate our Founding Fathers signing the Declaration, forgetting that in the context of their times, they were committed to doing the right thing for everyone, not themselves. It is fitting that this Fourth of July be a time to pause and reflect on the model of leadership quality the world desperately needs: selfless courage. In a time of polarization and division, and a desire for personal, not public, gain and welfare, the example set by the Founding Fathers in 1776 remains a timeless lesson in Selfless courage. This is a lesson in leadership for every leader, whether you serve in a business, school, church, nonprofit, family, or community.

This Thursday’s Leadership Insight defines selfless leadership, describes it using the example of the founding fathers, and explores what makes selfless courage so critical to everyone’s leadership practice today. Five ways leaders can display selfless courage today, and seven benefits of selfless courage are shared

What Is Selfless Courage?

Selfless courage is the willingness to take the right action to serve others, regardless of personal cost. It’s more than bravery; it’s a deep commitment to values and people, even when the outcome is uncertain and the risks are high. Selfless courage means standing up, speaking out, and doing what’s right, not for personal gain, but for the greater good of all people. This is the first principle from John Maxwell’s High Road Leadership.

The Founding Fathers’ actions leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence are a model of selfless courage. Remember the context faced by the founders; they were doing something the world had never seen before. They were developing and preparing to sign a document that outlines the grievances the then Colonies had with Britain and King George (referred to as “He”). The document aimed to rally colonial and international support. This is the reason King George was the focus. The Declaration was meant to sway other monarchs to support them, like the French. The British had a different opinion; this was considered treason, punishable by death by hanging. On Virginia’s Richard Henry Lee, on June 7, 1776, introduced a resolution beginning: “Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” The Fifty-six members of the thirteen colonies unanimously agreed it was time to stop complaining and leave British rule. On June 11, 1776, Congress appointed a “Committee of Five” to draft a declaration, consisting of John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. Thomas Jefferson wrote a draft for the committee. They, primarily Adams, made 86 edits, and a final copy was sent to the Continental Congress for approval. It was approved unanimously on July 4, 1776.

When the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence put their names to that historic document, they knew exactly what was at stake. By declaring independence from Britain, they risked everything: their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. As the Declaration itself concludes:

“For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

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This was not empty rhetoric. As Michael W. Smith details in his article, many of the signers paid dearly for their courage:

Five signers were captured by the British and tortured as traitors before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army.
Nine fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.
Many lost their wealth, livelihoods, and social standing.

Thomas Nelson Jr., another signatory, made one of the most extraordinary sacrifices of the war. At the Battle of Yorktown, the British had selected their residence as headquarters. Reluctant to destroy his fellow patriots’ beautiful home, Washington was directed to do so by Nelson himself.” Nelson died after the war penniless.

They signed not for personal gain, as there was none to be had, but because it was the right thing to do for the people they served and for generations they would never meet.

The Price the Declaration of Independence signers paid for your liberty by Dr. Harold Pease ended with a quote from John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams and our sixth President. Posterity — You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”

Why Selfless Courage Matters Now

Today, we see too little selfless courage. Leaders are often tempted to play it safe, responding not to those who elected them, but to those who will keep them in office. Avoid controversy or protect their interests. Leadership calls us to a higher standard. In a divided world, selfless courage is the antidote to fear, cynicism, and self-preservation. It’s the engine of trust, progress, and unity.

Five Ways Leaders Can Practice Selfless Courage, as noted in John C Maxwell’s High Road Leadership.

1. Stand Up for What’s Right: Speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular or risky.
2. Put People First: Make decisions that benefit the whole, not just a privileged few.
3. Take Responsibility: Own mistakes and failures, and protect your team from undue blame.
4. Champion the Vulnerable: Advocate for those without a voice, even when it costs you influence or resources.
5. Lead by Example: Model integrity, humility, and resilience in the face of adversity.

These practices don’t require a lofty position title, C Suite status, Superintendent of School, Chief Pastor titles, salaries, or degrees. They nrequire a heart and commitment to do what is right for all they lead.

Seven Benefits of Acting in Selfless Courage for Organizations, Communities, Families, and Our World.

1. Builds Trust: People follow leaders who put others first.
2. Inspires Loyalty: Teams rally around leaders who are willing to sacrifice.
3. Fosters Innovation: Safe environments encourage bold, creative solutions.
4. Strengthens Culture: Shared sacrifice creates a sense of belonging and purpose.
5. Promotes Justice: Fairness and equity become organizational norms.
6. Encourages Unity: Courageous leadership bridges divides and brings people together.
7. Leaves a Legacy: Acts of selfless courage echo through generations, shaping the future.

This week, all Americans should honor the complete legacy of our Founding Fathers, who signed and paid the price. We must ensure that these are not just words, but accompanied by a commitment to selfless action and courage. A leader’s number one superpower is the ability to make choices. Now is the time to choose selfless courage in our leadership, whatever the cost, for the sake of those we serve and lead

The Leadership Question for you is

1. How will you choose to lead with selfless courage today?

If you found this insight helpful, share it with a fellow leader or reply with your thoughts. Together, we can build organizations and a world where selfless courage leads the way.