Few things win people over more than a leader’s generosity.
True generosity comes from the heart and permeates every area of life: how you handle time, money, abilities, and values.
The quality in detail
Four steps through the quality: understand, check, connect, apply. Open any topic to read more.
The core messageWhat the quality means – and what it doesn’t
Generosity wins people over because they sense that you are there for them and not just for yourself. Sharing time, knowledge, recognition and resources earns trust.
- It does not mean
- That generosity is mainly about money. Your time, your attention and the praise you grant others often count for more.
- That you should give in order to win people over. Giving to get something back is calculating, and people notice.
- Strictly speaking
- It is documented that groups grant more status and influence to people who give a lot to the community. It is also documented that giving very often without anything in return can reduce your own performance.
- “Few things” does not mean “nothing”: generosity is a strong factor among several and needs wisdom, so that you are not exploited or don’t wear yourself out.
- Applies to
- Every area of life: the boss who credits successes to the team, the church leader who has time for individuals, the club president who opens up her network, and parents who give their undivided attention.
The explanationIt is a deeply rooted attitude that wants to do something for others, not for yourself.
It is a deeply rooted attitude that wants to do something for others, not for yourself.
That is why people are more likely to trust generous people, with or without a leadership role. It does not work as a technique: whoever gives in order to win people over is no longer generous.
Developing generosity starts with developing gratitude. If you are dissatisfied with what you have, you will find it hard to give anything away.
The signs3 signs the quality is present · 3 that it is missing
- You pass on recognition publicly and name the people who made the success possible – even when they work two levels below you.
- You share knowledge, contacts and opportunities, even when you gain nothing from it yourself.
- You take time for people who cannot give you anything back.
- Shared successes show up in your reports as your own.
- You hold back information because it secures you an advantage – even over other areas of the same organization.
- You give only where you expect something in return, and you keep a mental tally.
The research4 sources: 3 primary studies, 1 meta-analysis · 2003–2009 · with the limits of the research
- low
- moderate
- high
Moderate – Generosity, status and citizenship behavior.
- 2003Francis J. Flynn
Generosity raises status; productivity depends on the frequency of exchange.
- 2006Charlie L. Hardy & Mark Van Vugt
Those who give most to the group receive the highest status.
- 2009Robb Willer
Groups reward public-good contributions with status, influence.
Generosity raises status and standing. “Nothing convinces more” is a superlative without evidence; frequent giving without return can lower one’s own productivity.
The originJohn C. Maxwell · “Generosity”
- 1999OriginJohn C. Maxwell
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, Quality 9
- GenerosityIn essence: Your candle loses nothing when it lights another.
- todayWEGVISOR: Generosity
The WEGVISOR version, the “Quality of Generosity”, takes up Maxwell’s idea in the core statement “Few things win people over more than a leader’s generosity” without claiming an absolute superlative. That generosity strengthens status and influence is supported; but giving without any limit can harm you yourself.
The related qualities and lawsL13 Addition
Generosity is the attitude, adding value is the effect. Giving gladly serves others and makes them stronger than they would be without you.
The action points5 stages of growth – from first awareness to passing it on
- Become aware This evening, write down three things you are grateful for and one person who once generously gave you their time or knowledge.
- Lay the foundations This week, deliberately share something with one specific person, whether time, knowledge or recognition, without expecting anything in return or mentioning it later.
- Make it a habit Reserve a fixed half hour every week to support someone around you in their growth, and begin it with specific thanks for something they achieved.
- Deepen deliberately Give deliberately when it costs you something: hand someone else a success or a stage that would be yours by right, and ask two people you work closely with where they would like you to be more generous.
- Pass it on Create a fixed monthly ritual with the people you work with, whether team, project group or volunteers, in which everyone shares knowledge and recognises achievements, and rotate responsibility for it.
The reflection questions5 questions for you or a conversation with others
- To whom did I give something this week without expecting anything in return?
- Whose contribution did I last allow to look like my own?
- What am I holding back – knowledge, contacts, resources – although it would help others?
- What am I grateful for – and how does that show in the way I handle time and money?
- Where do I give so much that I neglect myself or my family?
Take your time with one question. Write down your answer – or talk it over with someone you trust.
The picture to rememberThe center gives away its gold. Whoever receives it begins to shine.
- The center gives away its gold.
- Whoever receives it begins to shine.
What generosity looks like in practice
The world No. 1 who shares her stage
At the 2020 US Open, Naomi Osaka wore masks bearing the names of victims of racist violence. She gives time, money and voice – to disaster victims in Japan, young talent and open talk about mental health.
Three good deeds that multiply
Eleven-year-old Trevor has a simple idea: help three people without expecting anything back, and ask them to pass it on. He starts small, with a homeless man, and despite cynicism sets off a chain reaction.
Give first, ask later: the Techstars way
The first value of startup accelerator Techstars is: “We give first.” Mentors share time and know-how, network requests are answered within two business days – and in 2018 some 20,000 startups applied for 400 spots.
