Generosity

Santa is Real

Humans tell stories.

Storytelling is the way we communicate and a key to humanity’s evolution. The stories we share come in all genres, but each one builds a different type of connection.

Stories often exist in the moment, but some are passed for generations. The most successful stories humans have ever told may be science, religion, mathematics, or money, but holidays may also land somewhere on this list of extraordinary, generational storytelling.

In the United States, 11 federal holidays are all observed in their own way, but Christmas (and comparable year-end celebrations around the world) creates a special atmosphere. In fact, the entire calendar and our fundamental sense of time seems to revolve around this cozy time of year. It’s when we pause to remember the year that was, and then look forward to what’s next. With such a shared inflection point, the year-end holiday season has created many recognizable symbols. Many holiday traditions revolve around religion, and just as many do not, but the legend of Santa seems synonymous with the holiday spirit. Whether you believe in Santa or not, it’s hard to argue with how well this jolly character embodies the essence of joy and generosity.

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Balancing this reflection made me feel like a scientist without a clear thesis, but watching our little one lean into the holiday spirit makes me grateful and full of pure wonder.

Our generational stories, decorations, music, events, letters, gifts, movies, and all that is the holiday season, can spark an undeniable truth. Great stories bring us together and if the result is anything close to the beautiful innocence of a child’s sparkle this time of year, I’m a believer and thankful that Santa is real.

By Ben McDougal, ago

Generosity Builds Trust

The art of connection aged in a readiness to consistently give without expectation leads to unpredictable opportunity.

Being generous can be as simple as showing up, listening, making a strategic introduction, or providing what paying customers anticipate. This form of benevolence instills wonderment and appreciation from others. Perennial contributions that accelerate others will earn credibility, and over time, trust grows. This is invaluable because humans collaborate with people they know, like, and trust. Trust then allows leaders to assume positive intent. This tightens the tribe and supports more people with big ideas.

The vulnerability required may introduce new challenges, but the risk is worth the reward as we collectively build at the speed of trust. This can be hard to understand for those who have been bamboozled in the past. The competitive nature of capitalism hardens us as well. Trust is tough to earn and easy to lose, but generous leaders know that when more people find success, the sense of abundance translates into fresh ways for everyone to thrive.

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Deliver on the promise.

As trust leads to expanded opportunities, do not dilute yourself to mediocrity. A pitfall for generous leaders is saying yes to everything. The perception is that everything is important and more is better, but overextended leaders burn out. It’s hard to give when we’re too busy so stay receptive, but learn to say no.

This can be done respectfully, and there is usually a way to remain generous, even when we’re choosing to be skillfully selfish for the greater good. Maintained capacity ensures that trust built from long-term generosity provokes the right opportunities, with the right people, at the right time.

Brewed From Within
#42 📖 Leadership

By Ben McDougal, ago