When you think about leadership, do you think about generosity? Probably not. When you think about leadership, do you think about changing the lives of others? I hope so! But what many leaders don’t realize is that for leadership to change people’s lives, it must be generous. So, what does it mean to say life-changing leadership is generous leadership?
Generous leadership is a step above traditional leadership.
A traditional leader is concerned with casting a vision. He aspires to inspire individuals and teams. She looks for ways to motivate people to achieve organizational goals. The traditional leader looks further down the road than anyone else. He seeks opportunities to move toward and obstacles to avoid.
Strong leaders possess all these qualities. They excel at getting the organization to work harmoniously to achieve organizational objectives. But the leader with these qualities is only part way to excellence.
To be an excellent leader, you must be a generous leader.
Traditional leaders fall into the trap of thinking that achieving organizational objectives is the most important thing they can do. They identify the big audacious vision and then drive hard to make a reality at whatever cost.
They miss the bigger purpose of business: to make people’s lives better.
Some of the most morally corporate people in history had big audacious goals and motivated masses to make them a reality, but they didn’t make anyone’s lives better. So, as a leader, they failed.
When we talk about life-changing leadership, we’re talking about generous leadership.
What is generous leadership?
Generous leadership puts people first.
The generous leader invests in his people. He considers whether his plans for achieving his vision for the future will help or hurt people in the process.
The generous leader knows and cares for her people. She looks for ways to serve them, help them grow, and improve their lives. She pays them well and supports their development. Most importantly, the generous leader feels a deep sense of responsibility for every team member. He considers them more important than himself and his actions prove this.
You might already know this, but it is worth stating. Generous leaders have an easier time doing what traditional leaders aim to do. Why? Because the people who follow them will run through brick walls for them. Their generosity provokes affection. And that affection is more effective than any speech or annual bonus.
Let’s all strive to be generous leaders whether our teams are big or small. We’ll make the world a better place in the process!