The Hidden Power of Generosity
Have you ever experienced “lagniappe”?
And how did it make you feel?
First-time visitors to Louisiana will experience the magic of lagniappe (pronounced LAN-yap),whenever a vendor throws in “a little extra something special”, like that 13th donut that makes a baker’s dozen. Or the unbelievable mountains of sugar heaped on those scrumptious beignets at legendary Café du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A Cajun word, lagniappe also serves as the perfect way to describe how acts of generosity are part of our inborn DNA and how you and I can make a positive impression on this spinning world – both personally and professionally.
According to the University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity Project, generosity is defined as the virtue of “giving good things to others freely and abundantly”; prioritizing the needs of others, often above your own. While academics clinically refer to “altruism” and “prosocial behavior, I see lagniappe as more of a down-home way to capture the essence of generosity; everything from charitable donations to volunteering for a cause or helping hungry strangers and stranded travelers.
True lagniappe is never faked or forced. For lagniappe to work, it must be just that — real and offered without any strings of expectation.
For years, small companies and large corporations have known that charitable giving is also good for business. But, just like a lot of things these days, the yardsticks are being moved and a new playing field is being created. Because the very nature of what we call “community” has changed, it’s not enough anymore to just cut a cheque and feel that you have done your part. Thanks to our interconnected global village, we now live in a world where :community” is no longer defined by the area code in which we reside. And that’s especially true for younger generations who see themselves as global citizens who care deeply about issues happening far beyond any geographic borders.
Forward-thinking leaders will be curious to know how they can adapt to these changing conditions as well as the emerging science that argues The Hidden Power of Generosity is the future of modern-day brand-building on this edition of Leaders & Legends.
“You make all kinds of mistakes, but as long as you are generous and true you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her” SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
p.s…. Any business and brand-building strategy that includes the magic of “lagniappe” will reap the bottom-line benefits that occur from factors such as Differentiation, Customer Retention, Increased Referrals and Better Morale. Few examples are as powerful as the one we shared a few years ago about Ron Kraft Auto Care, the mom-and-pop gas station in London, ON that hands out dog treats at the pumps. But, I am always curious to know about the stories that you have witnessed and experienced first-hand. What you have noticed with companies and organizations who are spicing things up with some good old-fashioned "lagniappe" and how did they make you feel? Why not share their story with us and spread the goodwill they are creating with other folks who also welcome the gift of these types of good news stories that brighten any day.
Introducing ... BIG LITTLE LEGENDS!
The language of brand speaks to humans in a way that is metaphorical, meaningful, emotional and symbolic. The language of business communicates in a way that is logical, literal, mechanical and analytical. How then, does a business leader – in any industry – any product/service category become fluent in BOTH of these vitally important languages?
This unforgettable keynote/workshop (and preview of the forthcoming book) is designed to challenge accepted notions of how long-term brand-building really works these days. It forces leaders to re-think what's possible and the role they play in creating modern-day legacy. It's entitled BIG LITTLE LEGENDS - How Everyday Leaders Build Irresistible Brands.
Planning a Speaking Event?
The wheels of business are turning faster each quarter and your company or industry association may be busy making plans to stay ahead of the lighting-fast relevance curve. In that spirit, we are knee-deep in booking events for 2020 and 2021 with organizations like Vistage International, Raptor Mining and the National Truck Equipment Association to dramatically rock their next conference with keynotes and workshops that inspire audiences to acquire “STADIUM-SIZED PERSPECTIVE”. For booking inquiries, feel free to reach out and contact us.
Other Resources for You to Explore:
If you are a CEO, Senior Executive or Business Owner who has attended one of our speaking events, consider this as an open invitation to schedule a 20-minute Discovery Session. It's a great way to bounce ideas just to see where they land.
Purchase the critically-acclaimed, NUTS, BOLTS AND A FEW LOOSE SCREWS. Available at Chapters.ca and Amazon.com.
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"Everything you can imagine is real" PABLO PICASSO