Be Generous When It Counts

Many of the best things leaders do for their colleagues come without financial cost.

Words of encouragement, recognition for great work, lending a hand, inquiring about loved ones, sharing an interesting podcast or book, acknowledging a milestone, making an introduction.

Spending valuable resources to make people feel valued is not something good leaders do. Instead, they save financial assets for when it really matters.

In moments of need and joy, the best leaders are generous people. When a colleague needs medical attention or is struggling with a student loan, generosity makes a difference. When a team member gives birth, adopts a child, or relocates to a new home, generosity makes things better. Being generous in the human moments underscores that the leader and the organization truly care for the people who work so hard to make it successful.

When team members know they have the generosity and strength of the entire organization behind them in critical moments, they carry less stress. Generosity is a strong tailwind. It makes everything more easeful.

Putting financial resources to work when others most need them requires having those resources to spend. It is not unusual for great leaders to be somewhat frugal with the daily spend in order to have the funds to support people when it counts.

Generosity is not something anyone is born with. Like most attitudes, it is a decision — one of the best people and leaders choose to make. When we learn to marry a generous attitude with the action of giving, we open our hearts and our wallets for others.

Learn to be generous when it matters most.