“If you want love and abundance
in your life, give it away.” (Mark Twain)
Generosity is more than just
tossing a dollar into the lap of the less fortunate. It is where a spiritual
mindset meets a heart that is so determined to make a difference in the lives
of others. As a leader, what you must be generous with the most is your time,
for most people are drawn to you to be informed, inspired and influenced, which
requires your time.
In the words of Suze Orman, the
renowned financial advisor, “True generosity is an offering; given freely and
out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the
most valuable possession you can share.” How generous would people say you are
with your time, money and even talent?
Exceptional leaders are also
known to be generous with their words of encouragement. They understand the
power of words and thus use their words to build up people and themselves.
Generosity is one of those words that have been relegated to religion alone,
even though it is an essential trait for fulfillment in life. Without
generosity, leadership is ineffective. As a leader, you must ensure that the
quest for growth should never trump the need for generosity.
Exceptional leaders are also
generous with their knowledge. It is the same passion with which they sought
after knowledge that they also share it. As a leader, one of your objectives
must be to ensure those around you know more than you do, without you ever
falling behind in the knowledge that is required to advance the vision.
Of what use is your knowledge if
those who are attracted to your vision do not leverage it? Millions of people
were attracted to the generosity with which the iconic leaders we adore today
shared their knowledge. Withholding information that would inform and inspire others is
not leadership. No greater honour is there in life than to share with others
what was a blessing to you.
DON'T DREAM IT, MAKE IT HAPPEN.
