In the world of high-stakes business, hoarding resources can easily occur. We protect our time, guard our budgets, and keep our professional networks close to the vest. But what if the most effective way to grow your influence wasn’t by holding on, but by giving away?
Magnetic leaders—the ones people actually want to follow—understand a fundamental truth: Generosity is a leadership superpower. As Dr. Ivan Misner famously coined, “Givers gain.” When you lead with a generous spirit, you aren’t just being “nice.” You are building a culture of trust and reciprocity that pays dividends in loyalty and performance.
Moving Beyond the Checkbook
Generosity in leadership is rarely about money. While financial rewards are important, they are often the easiest things to give. True leadership generosity requires giving things that are far more limited: your time, your energy, and your access.
When you invite a junior team member into a high-level meeting or introduce them to a key contact in your network, you are granting them a level of influence they couldn’t reach on their own. This “access” is gold. By opening the gate, you transition from being a boss to being a mentor.
The Power of the Development Mindset
Many leaders fall into the trap of the self-fulfilling prophecy: they don’t invest in their people because they fear those people will eventually leave. However, this lack of investment is exactly what causes top talent to look elsewhere.
Instead of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) meant to document failure, try a Performance Development Plan (PDP). When I shifted to this model, the energy in the room changed instantly. It signaled that I cared about the person’s future, not just their current output. It built a growth mindset that raised the bar for everyone.
Building Your Coaching Tree
Think of the legendary Nick Saban. His legacy isn’t just his wins; it’s his “coaching tree”—the dozens of former assistants who have gone on to lead their own programs. Generous leaders don’t fear being replaced. They embrace the role of “people developer,” knowing that their influence multiplies every time a person they mentored succeeds elsewhere.
Are you ready to stop hoarding your influence and start multiplying it? Generosity starts with a single intentional act of encouragement or access.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. If you found this helpful, please share it with a leader who needs to hear it! If you need help figuring out ways to be a more intentionally generous leader, I’m here to help. Visit www.mcclurecoaching.com/free-strategy-session to apply for a free strategy session today. Let’s work together to develop an action plan.
