Giving because we want to and with purpose gives us self gratification and definition.
Over the holiday season it is interesting to observe the act of giving and receiving. I tried to make note of this during the holidays. When people gave without expectation, they seemed to be the most joyful and gratified. When expectations were attached the giving sometimes is compromised by disappointment. If I give a person a gift, how grateful should they be? How much appreciation shown is enough? If I invite guests over for dinner how much should they fuss over how great the meal is? Now I do enjoy it when I obviously (by their sincere reaction) bring delight to others but it seems to be the best to give without expecting anything in return at all. Giving with sincerity and for the purity of giving is all we really need. Any reciprocation is great but unnecessary when we have purpose in mind.
At work the very same principle applies. When we offer help, resources, our time, or encouragement, it is most gratifying when there are no strings attached. We can bring definition to what we value by what we attend to.
- Action: I would like to challenge you and me to consciously give recognition to 1 person at work every day through 2011. To make it real let’s post it in our calendars. It can be a simple verbal thank you, an email, a hand written note, etc. Let’s expect zero in return. We need to be specific and genuine in our observation. Let’s see what happens. (This should take less than 120 seconds a day). No excuses. It is belief, purpose, commitment, and habit. If we miss a day, let’s make it up by giving recognition 2 times the next day.
Give in the Triangle,
Lorne