We regularly talk with leaders about the importance of approaching meetings, decisions, negotiations, etc. with a generosity of spirit, so we were delighted to be reminded of a quote from the 2008 book Setting the Table by Danny Meyer, that echoed our message:
So, let’s spend some time today considering what exactly we mean by ‘generosity of spirit.’
Generosity is the willingness to give something to others—that something may be money, gifts, time, etc. Generosity of spirit then is a way of showing up in the world and relating to others with an attitude of kindness, patience, respect, and a willingness to remain open to the possibility inherent in the connection.
—even when they’re difficult.
We believe that a generosity of spirit is key to successful organizations and to powerful, sustainable relationships at work as well as at home, in our communities, and in the world.
This week, we want to encourage you to spend some time observing how you show up with the people you love, the people you work with, and the people you interact with day-to-day. Do you bring a generosity of spirit to those interactions? To all of them? Just some of them?
Bringing a generosity of spirit to all of our interactions sets the bar for how we relate to the world and ourselves. We know that even with the intention, we don’t always show up at that level.
Linda recently described sitting in her car feeling furious about someone pulling in front of her… only to see that they were trying to get off to the side of the road because they had a flat. In that moment, she was reminded that most people are doing their best in this crazy and sometimes challenging world and approaching them with that assumption is good for her spirit and better for the world.
What do you find as you consider bringing a generosity of spirit to your world?
Let us know,
Your Coaches and Allies at Carpenter Smith Consulting
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