Why Being a More Generous Leader Will Create a Successful Business

It is a general idea of ​​company culture; images of popular startups with things like swag, free snacks and nap pods often come to mind — a scene reminiscent of Google’s early days. However, for us at Market Veep, the value of “giving generously” was not originally part of our core values. It wasn’t until a few years into our growth journey that we realized something important was missing.

Here’s how we came to this realization: hiring experience. We brought a few people on board; it quickly became clear that their tendency to be generous – be it with their time, knowledge or support to colleagues and clients – fell short of our expectations. It was an endless conversation, and we kept thinking, “shouldn’t this be the standard for how people interact?” It was undeniable that their values ​​were very different from the company’s. It didn’t make them bad people, but they weren’t the right company culture. That’s when it hit us: we needed to make “giving generously” a core value legally. Now it’s integrated into our entire ecosystem..

One of my favorite interview questions is, “What’s the last nice thing someone did for you – and on a side note, what’s the last nice thing you did to brighten someone else’s day?” Some things people have said that made my heart grow three sizes:

• Homemade soup for their sick neighbor.
• They brought lunch for their neighbor that they forgot at home.
• They spent time with their elderly grandparents cleaning their house.
• Donating time at a local shelter.

For me, it’s not about the big touch. It’s about the little details, the accumulation of many small “concerns” that add up to expressions of kindness and giving freely. Like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays, they come a few times a year — but wouldn’t you feel special if every day felt like your birthday? Many companies we talk to say I would like to do that, but I don’t have the budget for that. I’ll tell you a secret: it’s not about the money.

When we don’t have a budget, we do things like:

• Smiley balloons on employee recognition day in everyone’s seat as a surprise when they enter.
• Send notes to their computers.
• Take your paid maternity leave.
• He is riding a bicycle around the complex.
• Pumpkin drawing.
• Halloween contest.
• Valentine’s Day cards as a group of people living in a senior center.

Here’s the beauty of it: many times, it’s the free things or small costs that people end up appreciating the most, making deep connections and creating memories out of. There is a big misconception about saving to do one or two big things to show your team that you love them, but think about all the time in between, months on end, without telling them you care. Would you not tell your children that you love them every day?

Now, things are different than before the pandemic. We had a portable office, so the sky was the limit. When the pandemic happened, it was a completely new change, and learning how to build a team, create happiness and give generously without being able to give them something. It also introduces a new obstacle to measuring happiness with a computer screen. It’s very easy if you can read body language in person, notice if it’s a little quiet throughout the day, etc., but when we started hiring across the country, it became a challenge. This pandemic has taught us a lot about generosity and gratitude. Although it was one of the most difficult times for me as a leader, it was also, by far, the time that taught me the most. I have seen the amazing character of people and their mental strength. Their ability to bond together to find solutions to difficult problems. Their kindness when there are difficult conversations. Their spirit of giving when organizations don’t get enough but they continue to support others.

Even though we are not sure what will happen, we promised to continue giving because kindness always wins. Someone is always in a bad mood, has a lot of problems, and needs something that you can take for granted every day. Giving generously helps us stay humble and focus on the needs of others above our own. It reminds us that we are lucky.

• How it looks now
  • Flexible hours.
  • 45 days off per year.
  • Sabbatical and longevity bonus.
  • Friday half days.
  • Cookies in the light times mail.
  • The 401k game.
  • Bereavement.
  • Personal time.
  • Happy hour on Friday.
  • Paid time off.
  • Medical, dental, eye.
  • Life insurance.
  • Resources for health advocates.
  • Government allowance for working at home.
  • Paid training and certifications.
  • Meditation as a group before the day begins.

It’s not just about gifts – it also means where a person is in life. Your team shows up to help each other and the company, but it’s not the driving force in their lives. When you see someone struggling, it’s very impactful to say, “Hey, how can I help? It seems like you have a lot going on. It’s just work. We’re not heart surgeons. Please stay offline and take care of XYZ.” We’ve had people come in the day after. for the death of a family member, work on their family vacation or take appointments at the hospital. Respect and protect your team’s time, mental health, and boundaries. Give them generously, and they give generously to your company, your team and your customers. Be their advocate even when they think work is more important.

Have you thought about what your team needs to live a generous life? What makes them feel valued? How can your company build deeper relationships and help them live their best lives? Think of times in your life when you felt the most cared for, supported and appreciated. Because no one ever said, “I want to work somewhere where I don’t feel appreciated.” Then, take one step further and ask your team. Start a dialogue, and you’ll be surprised how creative and thoughtful the ideas will be. Keep your focus on giving generously, and you can’t go wrong.