After nearly 20 years of experience, I have encountered managers of all kinds. Some were brilliant but unwilling to share their knowledge or vision, as though they held a treasure too valuable to pass on. And then there were those who embraced professional generosity. These managers not only shaped my experiences but also made a significant impact on their teams because their approach made all the difference.
But what exactly is professional generosity? Why is it an indispensable tool for managers? And how can it transform our workplaces?
Is Professional Generosity?
It is a philosophy of management based on transmission, sharing, and the desire to help others grow. Professional generosity is not simply about offering a helping hand or smiling during feedback. It’s far more strategic and profound:
- Investing time to support someone’s development.
- Sharing knowledge, even the insights one might consider a “competitive advantage.”
- Opening doors, creating opportunities for the team, and celebrating their successes without hesitation.
In essence, it’s a leadership style centered on transmission, with the goal of building a professional legacy that benefits everyone.
Two Approaches, Two Outcomes
- Managers who are reluctant to share leave behind disengaged, hesitant teams, often unprepared to face future challenges.
- On the other hand, generous managers build high-performing, confident, and engaged teams. They are not afraid of their team becoming “too competent.” Instead, they view every individual success as a collective victory.
When I became a manager, I chose to embrace professional generosity. It aligns with my values, and I practice it daily. Why? Because I have seen firsthand the profound impact it has on people, projects, and organizations.
The Benefits of Professional Generosity
- Building an Environment of Trust
Generous managers establish genuine relationships with their teams. The resulting trust fosters better collaboration and smoother communication. - Stimulating Innovation
When employees feel safe to make mistakes and know they can count on their manager, they are more likely to propose bold ideas. - Strengthening Engagement
Teams that feel supported and valued work with passion. Professional generosity is a powerful tool for sustaining talent over the long term. - Preparing Future Leaders
By sharing their knowledge and skills, generous managers cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. This ensures the sustainability of projects and strengthens organizational resilience.
A Daily Commitment: #SharingIsTheSpirit
In a professional world often dominated by individualism and competition, choosing professional generosity is a way to stand out. It shows that sharing doesn’t diminish you—it enriches you.
So, to all managers who hesitate to share: do it. You have nothing to lose—on the contrary, you have everything to gain. Your success will not be measured by what you have accumulated but by what you have passed on.
And you, are you ready to integrate professional generosity into your management identity?