Inspirational Leaders Know Giving Is Receiving
by Michael D. Hume, M.S.
This year I'm very happy to be back with the Original Dickens Carolers, singing holiday songs all over Colorado for hours each week. I missed the last decade or so, so it's great to be back (and it's amazing how the lyrics for most of these holiday tunes have stuck around in my head).
One of my favorite Christmas carols tells the story of Good King Wenceslas. Remember him? The moral of the carol is found in the very last lyric: "Ye who now will bless the poor shall, yourselves, find blessing."
In other words, do good stuff for other people, and you've done good stuff for yourself.
Inspirational leaders are typically among the most generous people you'll meet in your lifetime. They know that giving really is receiving. And it's more than just the great feeling that charity gives the giver... it's deeper than that. Truly inspirational people live by a strong set of personal values (including generosity). It's their compass. And that's why people are inspired to follow them: talented folks are generally attracted to someone with the courage to live their values.
Are you generous? If you feel you've given all the money you can afford, with what other resources can you be generous? Your time? Your patience? Your attention?
Try this little test: while you're out running around on your holiday errands, and someone cuts you off in the parking lot or jumps into the elevator in front of you, give them the gift of generous patience. Smile. Wish them well. Hold the door for them! Sure, they don't deserve such grace. But do any of us?
If you think about it, you've been inspired at some point in your career by someone who was very generous with you. Especially with their time and attention. They took a personal interest in you, and they didn't have to do so.
If you are wealthy, be generous with your wealth. If you own your own business, be generous with your customers, and with your employees. If you are a specimen of vitality, find a way to be generous with your energy; can you encourage someone else to get on a health kick, or might you visit an elderly person and help him with his chores?
Each of us lives a life of abundance, even if we don't have all we would like to have. To genuinely bestow abundance upon yourself, find a way to bestow generosity upon others. It's truly the gift that keeps on giving.
About the Author:
Michael Hume is a speaker, writer, and consultant specializing in helping people maximize their potential and enjoy inspiring lives. As part of his inspirational leadership mission, he coaches executives and leaders in growing their personal sense of well-being through wealth creation and management, along with personal vitality.
Those with an entrepreneurial spirit who want to make money "one less thing to worry about" can learn more about working with Michael at http://oneyearplan.net/michaeldhume
Anyone wanting to jump-start their vitality can browse through the best (and most travel-friendly) nutraceuticals on the market at http://shop.enivausa.com/239824
Michael and his wife, Kathryn, divide their time between homes in California and Colorado. They are very proud of their offspring, who grew up to include a homemaker, a rock star, a service talent, and a television expert. Two grandchildren also warm their hearts! Visit Michael's web site at http://michaelhume.net
