When we think of leadership, we often hear words like authentic, charismatic, decisiveness, etc. but we don’t always hear about generosity. Whether it’s the profession or the Hollywood of toughness we often attribute to strong leaders, the generosity of leaders are typically placed as a secondary trait that’s great if you have it but it often takes a backseat.
The truth is, leaders must prioritize generosity to the front seat. Without it, good luck acquiring the subsequent traits of trust, loyalty, and inspiration.
Shifting The Culture
When leaders give, it puts a flame behind their leadership efforts that is hard to describe. Think about a great leader that influenced you and I guarantee you that generosity was present.
The leader gave you time.
The leader gave you attention.
The leader gave you opportunity.
The leader gave you credit.
The leader gave you respect.
The leader cared.
Generosity isn’t always about money but it’s about something that is much more difficult.
Generous leaders invest heavily in those around them.
This investment creates an environment where individuals and organizations thrive. Leaders that listen, empower, and value diverse perspectives, build a trust around. them that will change organizations for decades to come and the currency of trust cannot be faked. It’s earned through the daily grind of generosity.
Purpose
Generous Leaders must understand that there is a higher purpose…a higher calling to why they are leading. Why do you believe in leadership? If it’s about the next rank or the next job, it’s likely impossible you have a generous bone in your body but if it’s about a broader purpose, that is where generosity manifests.
I interviewed Dr. Mark Sherwood last year on our podcast and there isn’t a leader I’ve worked with that displays the generosity that Mark provides. I was 26 years old when I made the rank of corporal and I was fortunate to land in Sergeant Mark Sherwood’s squad. Mark immediately gave me more responsibility than most at my rank and every day, he spent time giving me a foundation of leadership.
Six months into our relationship, he told me that if I wanted to be a sergeant, he would help me and he did. He gave me policy to study, worked with me on scenarios, the interview process, and at the same time when real examples happened, he told me to handle it. At 27, I was a sergeant running my own squad but it doesn’t happen without Mark.
Sure, I did the work but a generous leader inspired the work to happen.
Tony Robbins
I love the generosity of Tony Robbins. Sure, it’s monetary but it’s also a lot of time and the purpose for why he does what he does. He’s given over a billion meals to families struggling with hunger through Feeding America.
Why is this his passion? Because when Tony was 11 years old, his family was hungry and on Thanksgiving, an unknown man showed up at his front door and gave his family a large meal. You can hear that story (first 2 minutes) below.
Would Tony Robbins be Tony Robbins without that act of generosity? He says no and a billion families have been blessed by it.
Would I be who I am today without Mark Sherwood? No.
Your Time Is Now
So what are we waiting on?
What can you do for others?
Generosity is a strength that far too often, we don’t have the courage to do. It’s not about that one day you volunteer and post the picture on social media…it’s about what you do everyday for those around you.
Lead On & Stay Courageous!
Dr. Travis Yates retired as a commander with a large municipal police department after 30 years of service. He is the author of “The Courageous Police Leader: A Survival Guide for Combating Cowards, Chaos & Lies.” His risk management and leadership seminars have been taught to thousands of professionals across the world. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with a Doctorate Degree in Strategic Leadership and the CEO of the Courageous Police Leadership Alliance.
