Give first. People are in need of solutions. There is the stated solution on a business project or objective for a customer/client. However, there are always more solutions that can be provided. I see these as people solutions, and these are solutions that you can bestow upon your clients and colleagues without the burden of monetization. If you want to build loyalty, this is a true way to not only build professional relationship, but also authentic relationships with reciprocity. It does not mean you are building a social circle to have over for a dinner party. It means that you take the time to listen and learn about the people in front of you. It is worth repeating. Taking time to listen and to learn about the people in front of you. That is generosity. You have no idea what is on their mind other than your business collaboration. They may have a dying family member, a child with special needs, a financial problem, a struggle with depression, etc. Your job is to show generosity with your time and your presence, and in doing so you will learn about the people you interact with through work, and be capable of fulfilling additional needs with generosity. When you show up authentically, you will build authentic relationships and cultivate a loyalty among the people you work with that will build upon itself. I started my coaching business out of a simple coffee meet-up with the brother of a friend of mine who asked me if I would be willing to give a talk to his team about proven principles for identifying “top talent” and how to go about interviewing and hiring those people. Well, the rest is history. I had so much fun doing it, I decided to write a short book about it, and then went on to start consulting to companies and coaching teams and individuals. Just like that: generosity.

 

When you’re early in your career, it is more difficult to maintain a generous mindset. There are financial worries, competitive pressures, and a sense of scarcity. None of these should be reasons to diminish a generous attitude. Rather, be aware of the competing forces, but mostly remind yourself that generosity is a long-term asset both in terms of your character and success.

 

The Exercise:

Think of people who were generous to you in your life in ways that didn’t involve money, but instead involved time, listening, teaching, mentoring, etc. Write down a few short notes about those experiences. Write down what you appreciated about those people. Then, think about one way you wish to improve your generosity. Make it a daily goal, and at the end of each day write down your experience with that intention. After 30 days, write down your new insights about generosity.