Madison on Getting Away

Although capable of being as high brow as the best of high brows, our fourth president, James Madison, was known for possessing a high degree of common sense.  He’s often called the “Father of the Constitution” and the “Father of the Bill of Rights.”  He also provided some advice that’s much needed in today’s workplace.

By all accounts, we work harder today than ever before.  The road to the top requires long hours.  Workaholic seems to have moved from a slur to a compliment.  Employees who have little chance of getting to the top work two, sometimes three, jobs to barely get by.  Madison’s advice contained in the quote below may seem to be for those at the top, since those on down the food chain would find it difficult to do strictly as Madison advises.   The point he made, however, applies to all employees who spend so much time doing their jobs.   While different employees will have to follow Madison’s advice in different ways, depending on their circumstances, employers should make sure that employees have a chance to take Madison’s advice seriously.  Taking the long view, if employers allow for and encourage the Madison approach in some way, employees will be more valuable, more productive.

“Let me recommend the best medicine in the world:  a long journey, at a mild season, through pleasant country, in easy stages.”