The Making of the U.S. Constitution
“A Republic, if you can keep it.”
Overview
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. After five years of war, the Americans finally prevailed when General Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. Yet the American victory brought a new and even greater set of challenges to the fledging country. Chief among them: Could this new nation, born from the belief that “the people,” not a king, could govern themselves? No democratic republic of this type had ever been created or even possibly imaged.
A new societal, economic and governmental framework – one that preserved all of the ideals fought for in the Revolution –was required. In the summer of 1787, delegates from 12 of the 13 states met in Philadelphia at a Constitutional Convention. Each delegate and each state had wildly different interests and expectations. Over the course of five months, the delegates struggled to find compromise while tackling multiple challenges, many of which they could not even predict. What resulted is arguably the most important document ever created: The United States Constitution.
The Delivery
The program is delivered onsite in Philadelphia over the course of one day. We travel by executive transportation to major historical areas, including The President’s House, Independence Hall, Washington Square Park and the National Constitution Center. By standing in the actual footsteps of history, the format is highly memorable and enriching. The day concludes with an after action review to ensure each group and participant departs with immediate actions for implementation back in the work environment. With a focus on maximum participant engagement, the session can be used in conjunction with:
- Annual Strategic Planning
- Team Building
- New Employee Onboarding
- Ongoing Professional Development & Training
- Creative or Strategic Ideation Sessions
- Sales Meetings
- Customer Events
The Need
No matter the industry, organizations of all sizes need to have strategic alignment, effective communication and the ability to resolve conflict. Moreover, every organization needs to engage its employees at every level to achieve their ultimate objectives.
The Materials
Each participant will receive a Program Booklet several weeks in advance of a session. Each booklet contains the elements needed for a successful engagement, including: Case studies on key leaders and situations; a Strategic Overview that sets the historical context; maps; and bios of every historical figure discussed. The full day’s agenda with each stop and business discussion points can be provided upon request.
Core Focus Areas
Participants will discuss and learn multiple professional and organizational strategies highly applicable to today’s competitive business climate. The program specifically addresses these critical themes: Establishing and Communicating a Vision; Organizational Transition; Negotiation; Agenda Setting; Strategic Planning & Forecasting; Persuasive Communication; Group Dynamics; Trust and Leadership.
Who Should Attend
With its focus on leadership, team building and communication, the program is most applicable for executives, managers and rising leaders. However, the program can be customized to meet any group, team or set of individuals regardless of their title, role or experience.
The Benefits
Participants will learn new communication and leadership concepts that can further benefit their existing skill sets. The program is a compelling platform that can help organizations focus on critical leadership and team-building elements such as:
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Allocation
- Resiliency
- Adaptability
- Clarity of Mission
- Effective Communication
- Employee Engagement
Facilitator
Matt Spaulding is a 25-year veteran of the communications industry and president of Spaulding Communications, a strategic PR and communication training firm he founded in 2002. He is a former instructor of business communication at Georgia State University and an approved speaker for Vistage, a global executive coaching and leadership training services firm. tours A 12th generation American whose relatives served in every major American conflict, Spaulding has led public and private group tours on urban battlefields in Atlanta, Chattanooga and Princeton, N.J.
KEY LOCATIONS AND BUSINESS THEMES
Participants stand on the site of the house that George Washington occupied from 1790 to 1797 as the young American nation began to take shape. From here we discuss Washington’s vision for a new post-Revolutionary America. We review the keys to gaining a clear vision – and how to bring a vision to reality.
Independence Hall (The Pennsylvania State House)
Standing in the shadow of this elegant and significant building, participants discuss James Madison. We review his background and the actions he took to become the central figure at the Constitutional Convention. We also evaluate his Virginia Plan. Participants will visit the Assembly Room where the Constitution was signed.
Washington Square
Established in 1682, this hallowed site is the burial ground for citizens and soldiers of the Revolutionary War. It’s also home to the inspiring Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier. Participants reflect on Benjamin Franklin’s role as a moderating voice who sought to forge compromise between the delegates. At this reverent spot, we discuss the sacrifice required to achieve a goal larger than ourselves.
Praise for Matt Spaulding’s Communication and Leadership Training
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