Strategies to Foster Generosity in Professional Settings

A different way to approach meetings. There are a lot of books and articles on meeting management and how to get the most out of gatherings. Most of them are utter and complete BS because they all focus on how we can get the most out of a meeting, while the focus should be how can we give the most in a meeting. If we go to a meeting with an “extraction” mindset versus a “giving” mindset we are likely face a number of problems including a) missing meetings where we may have been able to share our knowledge and therefore build goodwill and our reputation , b) become so focused on what we are looking for that we do not discover what we need and c) becoming over confident that we know more than anybody else that we do not learn and grow. Rather we should focus on generosity, empathy and energy a) Generosity. How can we leave the person or the people whom we are meeting with or presenting to with a gift? A gift of knowledge or insight or a way to see things that they did not have before. Something that makes them believe that it was a good use of their time to be in the meeting. Besides knowledge some other ways to be generous include appreciation of their skills and their contributions. Another way to be generous is to provide guidance. People are hungry for advice, directions and stories to navigate whatever challenge or situation they face. Knowledge. Appreciation. Guidance. b) Empathy. How can we truly understand the other persons perspective and point of view because in doing so we will grow even if you disagree with their perspective or view. If we are presenting, how can we make sure that our talk is relevant to the audience and the issues they have in mind and not some boiler plate boiled anew. Is it not ironic when speakers talk of relevance and customization and but do not customize or make relevant their content to their audience? Three ways to ensure empathy is to seek to understand by asking, listening and re-stating the problem and situation. By reframing the problem using analogies and other categories and finally by sharing relevant personal experiences. Understanding signals we are listening. Re-framing telegraphs that the problem or challenge being faced has been shared by others. Personal experiences ensure a human connection. c) Energy. How can we leave the folks in the meeting more energized and feeling better about themselves? So much of success is attitude, belief and hope. So many meetings leave folks dispirited, brow beaten, scared and worried. One does not have to be all bouncing beans unrealistic but let’s be pragmatically enthusiastic if we want progress. There are three keys to ending a meeting with energy. First is clarity. People should be clear what next steps are for each of them. Second is belief which is a belief that they can tackle these next steps and finally a plan which is how they go about doing the next steps. Clarity. Belief. Plan. https://lnkd.in/gbinZzKV

🌟 Infusing Kindness into Your Workplace: A Path to Success 🤝 In today's fast-paced work environment, a little kindness can go a long way. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to foster a culture of kindness in your workplace: Practice Active Listening Give your full attention to colleagues when they speak. Show genuine interest and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements Acknowledge your coworkers' successes, big or small. A simple "Great job on that presentation!" can brighten someone's day. Offer Help Proactively Notice when a colleague is struggling and offer assistance before they ask. Small gestures of support can make a big difference. Show Gratitude Say "thank you" often and mean it. Express appreciation for your team members' efforts and contributions. Bring Positivity to Meetings Start meetings with a kindness quote or a quick round of appreciation. It sets a positive tone for discussions. Practice Empathy Try to understand your colleagues' perspectives, especially during challenging times. A little understanding goes a long way. Encourage Work-Life Balance Respect your team's time outside of work and promote a healthy work-life balance. Surprise with Small Gestures Bring in treats for your team or leave an encouraging note on a coworker's desk. These small acts can create a ripple effect of kindness. Remember, kindness in the workplace isn't just nice—it's smart business. Research shows that kind workplaces see increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction, and better overall performance. What's your favorite way to spread kindness at work? Share in the comments below! 👇 #WorkplaceKindness #ProfessionalDevelopment #PositiveWorkCulture