The Power of Generosity in Organizational Development
By MacEwen Patterson, Gauss CBDO
In the world of business and organizational development, there is a principle that often goes unnoticed but holds immense power: generosity.
Generosity, far from being just an act of charity or kindness, can serve as a strategic tool for enhancing productivity and fostering a positive work environment. In this article, we delve into the roots of the word “generosity,” explore how leaders can embody this principle, and provide concrete examples of how thinking with generosity can make a significant difference at any level of an organization.
The Root of Generosity
To understand the concept of generosity in organizational development, it’s essential to explore the root of the word and its underlying principles. “Generosity” is derived from the Latin word “generosus,” which means “of noble birth” or “magnanimous.” This etymology reveals that generosity is more than just giving; it’s about possessing a noble spirit and being magnanimous in one’s actions.
The words “generous,” “generate,” and “genesis” share a common linguistic root in the Latin word “genus,” which means “kind” or “type.” This connection highlights the fundamental concept of creation or production that runs through all three words. “Generous” embodies the idea of giving, producing positive outcomes for others. “Generate” involves the creation or production of something new, whether it be ideas, energy, or resources. “Genesis” refers to the beginning or origin of something, emphasizing the initial act of creation. These linguistic ties remind us that at the heart of these words is the notion of bringing forth, whether it’s kindness, innovation, or the start of something significant.
Generosity in and outside of the workplace isn’t limited to financial contributions or charitable deeds. It encompasses a broader sense of giving, including time, knowledge, and support. When leaders and employees embrace this broader perspective, they contribute to the overall growth and development of the organization.
Leadership and Generosity
Generosity in leadership is a powerful force that can transform the workplace culture and drive productivity. A generous leader is one who goes beyond their formal roles and responsibilities, creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Let’s explore some ways leaders can remain generous and productive:
1. Providing Mentorship and Guidance: Generous leaders invest their time and expertise in mentoring and guiding their team members. This helps employees develop new skills, gain insights, and advance in their careers. A famous quote from Steve Jobs encapsulates this idea: “My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to make them better.”
2. Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of employees can be a generous act. When leaders show appreciation and gratitude, it motivates the team to work harder and achieve even more. In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
3. Fostering a Culture of Collaboration: Generous leaders encourage collaboration among team members rather than fostering a competitive atmosphere. This promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas, ultimately leading to more innovative and productive work.
Generosity at All Levels
Generosity is not confined to leadership roles; it can be practiced at every level of an organization. When individuals throughout the organization embrace the principle of generosity, it becomes a driving force for success. Here are some examples of how generosity can make other people’s jobs easier, faster, and more productive:
1. Sharing Knowledge: An employee who generously shares their knowledge and expertise with colleagues can help the team grow collectively. For instance, a senior software developer might create a mentoring schedule with junior developers where they can shadow one another until the juniors are up to speed.
2. Providing Constructive Feedback: When employees offer constructive feedback to their peers, they contribute to their colleagues’ growth and the improvement of processes. This generous act can lead to higher-quality work and faster problem-solving.
3. Offering Support in Times of Need: In times of high workload or personal challenges, offering a helping hand or showing empathy can make a significant difference. A team member who steps up to assist a colleague in need can ensure that work continues to progress smoothly.
Let’s take a closer look at some documented examples of generosity in the business world:
1. Elon Musk and Open-Source Patents: In 2014, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, made a bold move by declaring that Tesla would share its electric vehicle patents with the world. Musk’s motivation was to encourage the development of sustainable transportation. This act of generosity not only benefited Tesla but also contributed to the growth of the electric vehicle industry.
2. Google’s 20% Time: Google famously implemented the “20% time” policy, allowing employees to spend 20% of their work hours on projects of their choice. This act of generosity toward employee autonomy and creativity led to innovations like Gmail and Google Maps.
3. A personal example from my own life: When I was a new cashier at a retail store I was trained in a few different ways to close the register. We’d bag the coins, put the till report, cash, and any paperwork from the day into a larger red bag, and put it all in the safe. Some people were rolling the bills, other’s folding them, while others would simply stack them and rubberband them to any gift cards, coupons, or other papers. After a conversation with one of the bankers, a person who reconciles the cash and receipts from the previous day, it became clear to me they spent much of their time ‘fixing’ the submitted materials.
I started folding the till report so that key information was on top. I started submitting paperwork on top of bills, which they preferred stacked flat. I started putting rolled coins into the back of the bag, instead of in with the loose coins so they would have to fish the rolls out. It was a simple set of changes that were easy for me to make that shaved minutes off their processing time when managing all money bags.
One more conversation with another banker had her realize a post in the stores’s ‘teams’ channel would start a Standard Operating Procedure across closers and within a week the bankers all started to receive their materials in a unified way, shaving minutes off their process and adding confidence to the team.
It’s small but it adds up.
Generosity is a powerful tool in organizational development that goes beyond simple acts of kindness. When leaders and employees embrace the spirit of generosity, it can lead to a more productive, collaborative, and positive work environment.
As we’ve seen through examples like Elon Musk and Google, generosity can drive innovation and success, benefiting both the organization and its people. By adopting the principle of generosity, we can create workplaces where individuals support each other’s growth, making everyone’s job easier, faster, and more productive. In the wise words of Albert Schweitzer, “The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
Incorporating generosity into the fabric of an organization requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to valuing people over profits. However, the rewards of such an approach are immeasurable, as it can lead to a workplace where everyone thrives, and the organization itself achieves greater heights of success.
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What do you think about this becoming a regular series providing examples of generosity creating culture and productivity in business? Is there an interview you’d like to see? Feedback and input always welcome!
