The Unexpected Rewards of Generosity

I am taking a three-month advanced Positive Intelligence coaching class and this week we are focusing on our money mindset. The lead coach invited us to be intentional and to financially support an individual experiencing homelessness, asking them about their story and how they got to where they are.

My family and I have a tradition of doing birthday givebacks where we select a nonprofit and invite our friends and family to support that organization through specific items. Generosity is a core family value, so when the lead coach suggested being generous, I was all in.

I wasn't sure how it would work because it would require me to drive to a different neighborhood, and I wasn't sure I had the time. However, the universe has a wonderful way of showing up.

As I arrived home after picking up my kids, a gentleman approached the house. It didn’t take long to realize what was happening.

He had a binder and a well-rehearsed script. As he approached me, he asked my name and continued to use it—KAY-TEE—throughout our entire 30-minute conversation.

The organization he works for is called “I’m Working to Change.” He shared that several individuals travel from city to city to sell magazines to earn a living.

A quick digression: Yes, I looked up the organization. No, I couldn’t find it. Yes, some may consider it a scam. No, I don’t—I was happy to help a fellow human.

As we talked, he shared that he does this work to support his two daughters, and his 3-year-old travels with him. He shared that it’s better to be out working than sitting on the couch. He grew up in New York, never knew his dad, and was a straight-A student until seventh grade. In seventh grade, he was adopted, and his education never went beyond that point.

He explained that he needs to talk to 100 people before he makes one “friend”—someone who would support his efforts financially. Making seven friends in eight hours is success, and $400 will qualify him for a bonus.

He shared a video of his daughter doing flips at a trampoline park and how he teaches her to take bugs outside so they can continue to live because life is precious. With hard work, he has complete faith in God. He even shared a smile and tap dance with me.

I shared some cash, two granola bars, and a bottle of water. My hope is that the money, snack, and water weren’t the most valuable parts of our interaction. My hope is that he felt seen, that he felt someone cared, and that he was valuable. In return, I felt inspired by his hard work and dedication. I was grateful for the coaching challenge to really connect with someone struggling and find a way to be generous.‍

Jonathan Fisher, a Charlotte-based cardiologist, mindfulness teacher, and Amazon bestselling author of Just One Heart, shares that “Performing ‘Random Acts of Kindness’—small and spontaneous deeds without expecting anything in return—can yield numerous physical and mental benefits. Research has shown that these acts can improve mood, reduce depression and anxiety, lower stress, ease pain, boost energy, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.”

This month at Armstrong McGuire, we are focused on employee recruitment and retention. My challenge to you is to find ways to be generous. That may mean sharing a granola bar or a small gift with your team, or it may mean really taking the time to see your people. Really connect. Ask about their stories. Ask what got them to where they are today. Ask who they are at their best. Help them feel seen.

P.S. Are you looking to live with more ease and fulfillment? Consider joining our next Positive Intelligence small group Pods. One participant shared, “The program helped me move from simply understanding why I was struggling to actually making changes and feeling better.”

Learn more by attending an Information Session or sign up for a free 30-minute conversation to identify what is sabotaging your potential and discover how you can be your best self.

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Katie Weeks is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in executive searches, team and staff retreats, and coaching. Learn more about Katie and check out her other musings in her bio.