Workplace Generosity and What It Means for the Team
If asked, could you honestly suggest that there is generosity in your team? Workplace generosity is often suggested as a core value, but what actually occurs may be something different.
Generosity is an interesting aspect of organizational culture.
Giving Culture
Many people believe that every day they are giving. Giving, giving, and more giving, but never receiving in a reciprocal manner or amount.
This is the first fallacy of generosity. Generosity is about giving first, and not expecting something in return.
People can give in many ways. Most of them are not monetary.
We can give our attention and be a good listener. We may give new ideas or give valuable advice. In some cases, we are even giving respect, transparency, and appropriate consideration for others contributions.
These are all generous aspects of your culture.
Workplace Generosity
Do you view your teams as being generous? Are they giving on a supportive and emotional level? Are they keeping commitments and are they authentic?
Reciprocity is a nice compliment to generosity, yet if reciprocity is expected it changes the value.
When the cultural value is giving without reciprocity, and everyone participates, it seems that giving comes naturally and reciprocity may simply be a residue from the effort.
Be sure you’re using the correct labels. Generosity does not mean reciprocity. Reciprocity has an exchange expectation.
If generosity is your goal, give without conditions. Most of all, stay consistent and carry out the values that you are suggesting.
Your employee teams will thank you for it.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
