Four Steps to Taking Generosity to the Next Level

Posted on February 3rd, 2010 by Meghna Majmudar

meghnaisfabulousWhen I first read Keith’s books, I intuitively agreed with his advice to lead with generosity when meeting new people or with coworkers. I thought it meant remembering birthdays, asking people how I could help, and generally being a nice person – but recently, trying to connect with clients and friends in a new way, I see leading with generosity as a much more complex practice.

I’ve been feeling much more joyful about all of my relationships - personal and business relationships - since I started using the following 4 guidelines.

1. Listen for what the person you are talking with really wants. It’s not about just being friendly at this stage – but being present to what the person is saying and not saying, probing to understand what is driving the person at this moment. Surprisingly most people share this information, what they really want, in the first 3-5 minutes if you listen and ask thoughtful questions.

2. Make the decision to help with no expectation of payback or attachment to outcome. For me, I see a vision of that person having actually achieved what they want and then I make a truthful decision about whether or not I can help them.

3. Follow through and send the article, make the introduction, or set up the meeting that naturally follows from the offer of help.

4. And finally, commit to not let the person fail in achieving what they want – whether or not they accept your offer to help. This may mean checking in after a few weeks or simply listening, without saying “I told you so,” as they make their own way.

How do you lead with generosity?

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4 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Meghna,

    Great Post,

    You obviously get the spirit of the idea and I 'll wager you are experiencing more success. We reap what we sow.

    Thanks for sharing,

    John

  2. Great post Meghna!

  3. Meghna this post got me thinking, great one! I am not money minded but at point 2 "help with no expectation of payback or attachment to outcome." there will be point where you go to far isn't? I mean a point where you give to much information and got nothing back in knowledge, money, social capital.

    This afternoon I have a meeting with a person that I really want to help with building a community arround him, we do that with the help of socialmedia tools. How should I act?

    • Hi Rogier,
      Great question - and one I struggled with often. Until I realized one thing. If you feel like you need payback or a certain outcome for an action, it's not generosity, it is an exchange. Offer only what you want to give freely. I have lots of entrepreneurial friends - and I am happy to talk business or marketing strategy at a high level over dinner, cocktails, quick phone calls. But if they want a plan and some execution time, we will have to have a sales discussion. I hope this helps! How did your meeting go?
      Meghna

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