At this time of year, we anticipate receiving gifts. We have our gift list and hopes for great experiences. The anticipation and excitement build as we get to that moment of receiving and opening gifts. We think of it sometimes as a magical moment that will give us joy and happiness.
However, once the presents are opened and the wrapping paper cleared away, the momentary joy of opening gifts is over. The impact of those gifts ebbs away and we fall back into our normal everyday pattern. In fact, most people cannot remember what gifts they received last year.
What if you could provide a gift that would have a lasting impact and is free? As leaders we have the opportunity to give two special gifts every day. These gifts fall into the category of what is truly important, and they do not require money, just a moment of your time.
The first gift you can give is sharing that people are important to you and you care about them as a whole person. This is essential for people to trust you and follow you. You can say all the right things, but your actions will speak loudly as to whether you feel they are important. Do you pay attention to how they are doing? Do you invest in mentoring and equipping them? Everyone wants to feel valued and will give the gift of their engagement when we demonstrate their importance.
The second gift is to let them know that what they do is more important than just earning more revenue for their organization. They want to know there is significance to what they do and how it impacts others. It does not matter what your organization does, only that they feel connected to the real purpose behind what you produce. How does this improve people’s lives or make the world better in some small way? When was the last time you talked about your purpose? Have you told them that their contribution matters?
These are gifts they will remember for a long time. It will inspire them and provide confidence for them to persevere through difficult times. It will also make them want to stay at your organization to be part of something that is bigger than themselves. This season let’s give gifts that elevate others and have real significance beyond a temporary gift. It will be a gift that keeps giving.
