SUCCESSFUL are the GENEROUS…They understand servant leadership
Business Beatitude ("BB") has discovered that there are enough quotes and books written on generosity to more than satisfy the need for explanation and applications; but BB is going to share just a couple for your contemplation.
The Saint of Generosity, a BB favorite, is Mother Teresa of Calcutta, declared officially a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She lived generosity and yet viewed it from a very humble perspective, perhaps because she understood that the creator could see and appreciate what the world might categorize as small. She said:
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” Mother Teresa
So many businesses never even get off the ground for fear of not growing big enough or not making enough money right out of the starting gate. So many business-people want to run before they can walk. They want to feed the masses before feeding even one.
BB believes that feeding one will inevitably grow into the hundreds as long as these ideas are accepted:
- Expect trials and learn from them. Do it differently the second, third, forth and fifth time. It might take that many tries to feed even one, but you will have learned all the ways to not do it.
“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.” Thomas Edison
- Eat the elephant one bite at a time and stop belittling and berating yourself! Quickest way to never feed anyone is to beat yourself up to the point where you can’t go forward.
- Give, give, give and give some more. Give your time. Give your treasure. Give your ideas. Give your muscle, mental and physical. Whenever you see a need…. Fill it! You are making deposits in the generosity bank! It absolutely will come back to you in surprising ways!
A generous heart and mind is expansive and invites even more expansion. A limited heart and mind is reductive and limiting. It eventually dies out.
Related Blogs:
Successful are the Forgiving – They Build Bridges from a Strong Foundation.
About the author, Scott
I am Scott MacKenzie, husband, father, and passionate industry educator. From humble beginnings as a lathing contractor and certified journeyman/lineman to an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Business Administration, I have applied every aspect of my education and training to lead and influence. I believe in serving and adding value wherever I am called.
