Generosity is essential in building people who will build the team or organization. It is essential to our Christian walk and expedient in our daily living. Generosity comes in various forms; money, possessions, time, attention and encouragement. Generosity is a virtue in value based leadership. Hospitality and charity are an outgrowth of true and genuine generosity. I’’ve been blessed to have witnessed the “me only type of leader”, as well as the generous leadership role in leadership. Me only Leadership is all about the leader with very little heart or soul for others. They are often defined by being hard-nosed driven and soulless leaders. It’s all about the bottom line; nothing about feelings or caring. Generosity, if expressed at all, is often just a tool used for achieving an ultimate goal. The leaders who adhere to soulless leadership are usually very dissatisfied leaders. They need constant affirmation from someone else to prove their worth. Then there is the the leader who has a record of great leadership by being charitable and giving. They realize generosity is fulfilling. They recognize generosity is not out of abundance, but rather they understand the needs of others and give because it is good for others. They understand the importance of the well being of others. They don’t see it as manipulation, but rather a gift from God Himself. These leaders are usually content within their own skin, happy and fulfilled. Generosity for them is never a duty. As my Chick-fil-A server so aptly says, “my pleasure sir.”
Generosity has roots in Christianity. The term denotes a Truth illustrated by Jesus Himself. The Bible often speaks of the love of Jesus, and how he gave everything, and expects nothing in return, but faith in Him. God gave us life itself. God constantly cares and provides for us. His love is never ending. Think about Jesus as He walked the earth. The way the ministry of Christ grew everywhere. It is a marvelous thing to witness worldwide because of Jesus and His giving spirit, which attracts rather than the stingy spirit of other “leaders” that repels. There are too many leaders that live closer to the stingy side rather than the generous side of life’s balance sheet. It is time to evaluate our positions regarding Generosity. We all need to search our souls to determine if we could do better. Try giving and watch your business, mission, church and organization grow. God bless you as you become the giver He wants you to be.