THE LEADER'S GENEROSITY

 "Generosity is the leader’s refreshing oil. It stirs up the leader’s gifts and potential while aligning their paradigm" - Terry Mante

THERE IS something I’ve come to appreciate about the candle. When you light a piece of candle, its flame can serve as a source of light for other candles. My admiration is rooted in the reality that the candle that gives light to other candles does not lose its light thereafter. Rather, together with the others, they shine brighter and provide clearer vision to people located within the precincts of the light’s field. One candle brightens a little corner but many candles, if well-arranged provide light for a wider domain.

Leaders are people of light. They have a remarkable depth of enlightenment, insight and paradigm. Nevertheless, all that they have is limited in scope and significance if they don’t light other candles. That is the spirit of generosity. The spirit of generosity is a noble attitude that harbours a willingness to give advice, help, money, knowledge, time or other resources freely. The spirit of generosity operates purely on altruistic and unconditional bases. Leaders light other people’s candles; they give freely.

Generous people make impact on others. When you give a timely advice, you make a noteworthy contribution to a person’s life. You could guide a person to accomplish their purpose by a sheer act of generosity. You could contribute to a person’s well-being by giving money or some other material gift. The leader’s impact is real and it is measured by the extent of their generosity. Do you consider yourself a leader? If you do, then you have to be a giver. Leadership is about the contributions we make to people’s lives. We have to be conscious about giving. That is true leadership.

People who do not give get rusty. Generosity is the leader’s refreshing oil. It stirs up the leader’s gifts and potential while aligning their paradigm. It’s like how it works in aerobics. When you exercise, you improve fitness and muscle tone. The more you exercise, the more vivacious you become. It has been said that those who don’t exercise stand a higher risk of cardiac attacks, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Similarly, when leaders give to their followers they are keeping themselves fit. Releasing what you have keeps your spirit and mind alert and active. Those who are stingy with what they have end up stale.

In my book Winning with Confidence, I emphasise that, “There is great reward in giving. Giving gives you a living; if you empty your hands, you make space to receive new things.” If your hands are full, there will be no room for new things. If you give out what you have, you can receive new things into your life. If you want life to fill you with bliss, you must develop a generous spirit.

The generosity of a leader enlists the goodwill and continuous cooperation of followers. When you give to people, you secure their loyalty; you set the scene for mutual reliance. While you expect them to cooperate with you, they have an assurance that they can count on your support should they require it. Leadership is about three things: giving, giving and giving.

WHAT LEADERS GIVE

1.  Guidance. Leaders know and show the way. They help their people to know where to go. They clarify mind-boggling issues to their followers and help them to unravel complex and challenging situations. Leaders offer wise counsel to help their people grapple with the issues of their life. Every one of us can offer guidance in one way or another. There is a solution we can proffer to help others navigate their lives.

2.  Knowledge. Francis Bacon wrote in 1597 that “Knowledge is power.” Leaders empower their people when they impart knowledge unto them. You empower them with ideas and concepts that help them to manage their lives from an informed perspective. Knowledge is the integration of information, insight and experiences accumulated by the leader. True leaders allow others to tap their knowledge. They use their knowledge to help others construct their lives. They contribute their knowledge to nation-building. Leaders are givers of information. They transfuse insight and share their experiences.

3.  Time: Time is an irredeemable resource. Because of that, leaders guard the use of their time strictly. How much time do you spend with people? Do you spend time to meet the needs of others? The sacrifice of time for others is what leadership is about. Leaders spend time to think about their followers and develop initiatives that add value to the lives of their people. As leaders, we must devote quality time for the people we seek to influence.

4.  Encouragement: Encouragement raises people above their inhibitions and challenges. It also beefs up people’s confidence. Encouragement is the fuel that leaders give to their followers. People who are encouraged keep their focus intact and see light in the midst of darkness. True leaders lift their people above emotions, challenges as well as tasks. When leaders encourage their followers, they help them recognise their own capabilities and competencies. Encouragement is the leader’s main task because it is the main tool they use to galvanise people towards the attainment of a desired objective.

My question to you is, “What are you giving to the people around you?”

By Terry Mante

All rights reserved

2009