Generosity Makes you Great and Much More
No one stays up late waiting for the Grinch. But all the young at heart stay up waiting for Santa. His heart is warm and his hand is open.
With all the troubles in the world, you do well to follow Santa’s lead.
Open hands and generous hearts go further than clenched fists.
Zig Ziglar appeals to self-interest when he says, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”
Zig is expressing a principle, not encouraging exploitation. But the law of reciprocity only works when you know what others want.
Hot dogs for vegetarians isn’t generosity.
5 benefits of generosity:
- Expanded perspectives.
- Strengthened hearts.
- Deepened commitments.
- Extended influence.
- Increased happiness.
Do good, with a warm heart, and see what happens.
5 expressions of generous leadership:
- Invest in people. Young people want development opportunities.
- Tell your story. Include lessons learned from failure.
- Don’t watch the clock. An open heart gives time to others. I know you have too much to do. Perhaps include others in some of your doing.
- Notice. Positive attention reflects a generous heart.
- Pour from your cup. Never let what you can’t do be reason to neglect what you can do. Just pour from your cup with a smile.
If you’re not sure how to be generous, look for a need and meet it.
Reciprocity:
Not everyone responds in kind. But leaders don’t let others set their limits.
Give value before taking it, AND welcome generous response.
You always need results, profits, sales, increased numbers, and solutions. But don’t allow your needs to blind you to the wants of others.
“Most people believe vulnerability is weakness. But really vulnerability is courage.” Brene’ Brown
How might leaders live with a warm heart and an open hand today?
Bonus material:
Forget Kindness – We Need to Talk About Generous Leadership – CMI (managers.org.uk)
Why Being a Generous Leader Can Make You a Great Leader – Mind Tools
How might leaders live with an warm heart and an open hand today? Share the wealth with everyone, not necessarily Dollar wise, but the wealth of opportunities that surrounds us. Share the knowledge, the open doors to allow others to grow. Leaders if they want to enhance their group that works with them, for them volunteers or paid individuals allowing them to grow with openness, support, and viable resources to make a difference in their lives.
Thanks Tim. Yes, sharing the wealth doesn’t require dollars. Dollars are nice if you have them. But we all have wealth, even if it’s not monetary.
Well said, Dan! One of the joys of this season of my life is investing in younger leaders as a coach and mentor. I do my best to provide a safe space for authenticity and vulnerability in both one-on-one and group settings.
Thanks Ken. Your insight show up most with your commitment to create safe spaces. Glad you joined in today.
Hospitality is generosity: The spiritual grace of welcoming strangers into one’s community and social network, with the offering of food, shelter, protection and social interaction, with no concern for personal advantage or ambition. Thank you, Dan. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Pete. You remind me that over the years several leaders invited me into their homes. It was there that their influence in my life was magnified. Merry Christmas to you, too
Ask questions that help people clarify what the person is thinking and feeling. Help people clarify their goals and plans.
Ask–what can I do to help.
Thanks Paul. When you include curiosity/questions in the context of generosity, it gives me hope that I might be have opportunity to practice generosity.
Extended influence. So when you indeed take the “actions” noted you do have extended influence beyond what you might expect. Maybe if you haven’t done those “actions” laid out in this discussion you have not seen, “extended influence” but trust me on this one it comes with the decision forward.
Dear Dan,
Liked today’s post and the beautiful message as given in support of generosity.
True leaders really care for people who follow them to achieve a common goal. They are ready to help and support each member in difficult times. This is the right way to win the loyalty of people and their commitment of working towards growth. Humility and generosity are the two essentials to win the hearts of followers.