I see evidence that generosity is the fuel of networks. This means that in order to maintain and grow our networks we need to be able to recognize generosity in action, name it and support it.  This week I’ve been wondering about the difference between professional behaviours or professionalism and more significant acts of professional generosity?

I decided to ask around my network of career practitioners to see if there were any common themes. I had two simple questions.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST EXAMPLE OF PROFESSIONAL GENEROSITY?

IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU BEING PROFESSIONALLY?

What I learned is that while everyone could instantly name an example of professional generosity they’d been on the receiving end of, all had an extremely difficult time providing an example of how they are generous to others. I was really surprised by this. Why were they all so ill-equipped to name how they go beyond for others.

Let just me say that I know this gang of professionals very well. They are open, funny, curious and in service to others 100% of their work lives. Each month at the CCEPP Community of Practice I hear examples of how they have reached beyond their scope to share expertise and resources. Most act as peer-to-peer mentors and they are reasonably good networkers. So why couldn’t they name how they are professionally generous? I believe the answer is simple. We rarely hear how our help impacts others and I’d go even further and say that we are not very skilled at being specific in our thanks and praise.

SO HERE IS MY CHALLENGE.

TAKE 20 MINUTES AND RECOGNIZE THE SUPPORT AND MENTORSHIP YOU’VE RECEIVED IN THE PAST YEAR.

I am tasking you to purposefully endorse the professionals who have taken the time to share their knowledge, develop your leadership skills and invest in your greater professional life. Can you think of 1, or 2 or 12 individuals who’ve gone beyond the professional call of duty? Endorse those who walk the walk for *leadershipmentoring or *peermentoring or *collaboration