Giving is the honey that adds sweetness to life
I woke up early this morning with this thought. Putting it into the business perspective it could take on several meanings. Here are a few:
- Giving of yourself as a boss, means being approachable and ready to support. Just this week in a coaching call with a senior leader of a Fortune 100 company, we discussed his leadership style. Bob (fictitious name of course) has just been promoted to be the top guy in an office where he is not only leading his peers, but the entire regional office AND an expanded client base. Other than that, he’s not doing anything. Ha! But this is no hill for a stepper like Bob. The very first thing he did was hold meetings with each of his direct reports to listen to their ideas for future growth, any issues that needed to be addressed, and insight into each person’s role that would help the group be even more successful. Bob shared “this was terribly time-consuming, and I’d do it all again.” This act of giving himself set the stage for what is now a growing book of business, a more collaborative team spirit, and a mindset that everyone has each others’ back!
- Giving your talents and time in the community allows you to do something bigger than yourself. It’s an opportunity to help with something you are passionate about and care deeply for. You CAN make a difference. Every ripple creates a wave. Think about what ocean you want to play in and get into the boat.
- Giving your ideas shows you are open to share. I’m still surprised how many people are hesitant to open their kimonos, which says to me they are coming from a place of scarcity rather than abundance. I still speak for free when I want to…and there usually is a reward in the long run that makes me smile. Example—several months ago I spoke for a group of executives in transition. Just this week, two of them have called and are seeking my services in areas of professional presence and personal branding, wanting to make sure they bring to the interview their best selves. How exciting is that!
Here’s a motto that works from Zig Ziglar “When you give, give, give…you get, get, get.”
Spread that sweetness and your life will be more fulfilled.
Valerie
Valerie, You are a captivating writer as well as speaker. Thank you for your posts.