Authors Monte Wood And Dr. Nicole Roberts illustrate how incorporating generosity into your life can improve your well-being personally and professionally.
When it comes to achieving success, there’s an overarching belief that generosity is a sign of weakness—-because who would you want to share the knowledge, resources, or ideas with others that can be used instead for personal gain?
This “dog-eat-dog” mentality has found its way into many aspects of our society, contributing to a competitive environment where individuals are encouraged to prioritize their own interests above all else. But, how far can this mindset get you? According to authors of Generosity Wins, Monte Wood and Dr. Nicole F. Roberts, it’s not very far.
“Every man for himself,” they argue, is a negative mindset that fails to recognize the strength that lies within acts of generosity. Contrary to the belief that generosity is a weakness, generosity is actually a manifestation of abundance.
So instead of operating like crabs in a bucket pulling each other down, Woods and Dr. Roberts believe it’s best to adopt the belief that by uplifting others, we elevate ourselves in the process. In other words, there’s room for all of us to reach our goals. It’s a recognition that there are enough resources and opportunities to go around.
In the pivotal first chapter of their book, Generosity Wins, Woods and Dr. Roberts reveal the true power of generosity. Through the journey of the fictitious character Emily Gardner, they convey the message that generosity can foster a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment in one’s life, especially in the workplace.
The chapter begins with immense excitement as Emily approaches her semi-annual review at work, a luxury hotel company called Pinafore Global. An air of optimism surrounds her and she is fueled by the prospect of getting a raise.
Armed with a sterling academic background from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Emily has traversed the globe, leaving her mark on properties in Istanbul, Hong Kong, Brussels, and most recently, San Diego.
Despite a track record of impressive performance—helping to prioritize cost-cutting measures and increasing the average room rate—Emily’s confidence is rattled when she’s met with unexpected news during her meeting with her mentor and CEO of Pinafore, Don Jenkins.
The look on Don’s face as she walks into his office gives away the bad news almost immediately: Emily’s time in San Diego is at an end, a consequence of her failure to uphold the organization’s core value of generosity.
What follows is a conversation between Emily and Don in which the tension between Emily’s anchoring on the short-term and Don’s emphasis on the long-term, more holistic definition of success is exposed.
The efficiency of Emily’s way might cut down costs for the company, but they come at the expense of upholding strong relationships between customers and employees—personal connections that are integral to Pinafore’s brand vision.
Don’s insistence on the importance of generosity serves as a poignant reminder that success, in its truest sense, is measured not only by financial metrics but also by its impact on individuals’ lives.
Through his candid feedback, Emily is confronted with the realization that true success transcends mere profitability. It encompasses building a culture of trust, empathy, and genuine care.
By the end of the chapter, the reader is forced to examine their own relationship with success. They are urged to explore the short-term wins and the long-term opportunities that come along with generosity.
In other words, what can you do to be more generous in the workplace? And how can that help propel your career and professional relationships forward?
For those seeking more expert insight, Emily interviews real-life people who have achieved immeasurable success in their lives, sharing with readers tips on navigating their careers and personal lives.
At a time when greed and one-upmanship rule the world (or at least the economic structures of the world), the story of Emily Gardner tells us that real success comes from building each other up and working together.
In the words of businessman, investor, film producer and television personality Mark Cuban, “it has always paid to be nice. Generosity Wins tell you how and why.”
Co-author of the book Monte Wood is a revered business leader who has sold two industry-leading marketing agencies. He has served thirteen of the twenty most valuable global brands and was recognized as Executive of the Year by the Portland Business Journal. Co-author Dr. Nicole F. Roberts has an extensive background running nonprofit organizations and her public health and neuroscience writing appears in numerous magazines and journals. To learn more about their book, Generosity Wins, or purchase a copy, click here.