Try something new .... Give Generously!

Generosity remains a quality that seems to be extremely necessary both in our personal and business lives. I read an article recently wherein it was revealed that many of the big companies overseas are bringing the concept of generosity into their corporations as a principle to be followed and they have had very positive results since implementing the concept formally into their organisational structures.  I certainly understand the principle of giving to others and blessing those in need so as to receive blessing in return but the motive needs to be pure and healthy.  Unfortunately I have seen that many entities in our country try to use fake generosity such as donations and financial assistance so that they can get something from this like BEE points and accreditation's so that they can win tenders.  This is not the generosity I mean and this should not be part of how business works and is a sad indictment to our countries business ethics.  However I do certainly agree that the principle of giving generously is a worthy goal and this relates to the way we pay staff, the way we treat employees and the honesty with which we treat clients and shareholders.  I am not always sure about the concept of charity begins at home or whether we should separate our personal giving and that of a business but I guess that once we embrace generosity at home we will also do so at work and vice versa.  There are everyday many opportunities to show this characteristic and there will always be people who need more than we do.  Unfortunately in a country like ours there are also so many in need and to be able to give to everyone is impossible.  That is why we need to be discerning with each opportunity and give attention to the request and sufficient time to whether the cause is genuine and will result in a feeling of peace and satisfaction.  Too often people just give to get rid of someone or they do so when others are looking to get credibility or false praise for being a generous person.  In essence generosity starts in the heart and it needs to be truthful and with a good motive.  The value may not be important but we are talking about generosity and not just tipping.  We should be led to a particular matter or situation and then really get all the info we need to make an informed decision and so when we give we do so with intent, an open heart and mind, an assurance that the giving will make a difference and an expectation that we will see the results somewhere in the future.