Giving it all away… DeMarco Banter

Years ago I heard a pastor speak on defaulting to generosity…and selflessness. Sure, one would expect a pastor to talk of such things–but for some reason those words have stuck with me for years. Why? How many default to generosity…to selflessness…. not many… well, I don’t think there are many. I know a few who do–and they just resonate in my mind. I began pondering… is this a key to effective leadership?

As a leader, if we default to generosity and selflessness–could it cultivate a culture of generosity? If the culture was of generosity and selfless service–would more people default to such? I think so. John Maxwell talks of a way to cultivate such an attitude.

1) Be Generous: If a leader is willing to give of himself….the organization is being set up to succeed.

2) Avoid internal politics: this is essential for the Greater Good Leader… leaders worry about the benefit of their subordinates over themselves

3) Loyalty: one of the 3 personal core value I reflect on… if a leader displays loyalty to the team or the unit…members will usually default to the same. Loyalty fosters a sense of unity… and unity breeds organizational success.

4) Value interdependence more than independence: Sure… it’s Independence Day… in the US we value that independence–because in American history, independence has been key to what we have valued… innovation, hard work, and a willingness to stand up for what is right…but…independece taken too far is a characteristic of selfishness, especially if it begins to harm or hinder memebers of the organization… “You must live for others if you wish to love for yourself.” -Seneca

Ephesians 5:2 The Message
Wake Up from Your Sleep

5 1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.