There are many benefits that can be derived from the act of targeted generosity.
Research has shown that there is a link between expressing gratitude with being generous, as both are forms of social support. The act of generosity towards others often elicits appreciation from the recipients.
Recent research published in Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine demonstrated that giving targeted support (meaning that the generosity was directed to a particular person) had more impact in reducing stress and anxiety and increasing one’s well-being than un-targeted support (giving to a cause).
The study concluded that targeted generosity was beneficial to building stronger social connections and improving well-being.
How can we use this information to increase our ability to effectively connect with others?
Generosity inspires opportunities for gratitude and connection in 3 ways:
1. Generosity is contagious.
A research review from the Greater Good Science Center research review for the Templeton Foundation has found that when generosity is infused into an organization’s culture, it builds a stronger organizational culture as “generosity is contagious”.
When sharing is a part of an organizational culture, it spreads and creates a ripple effect where giving inspires opportunities for gratitude. Generosity makes everyone more appreciative and the culture more positive.
2. Generosity creates better team performance.
In successful teams, there is a climate of mutual give-and-take, teaching, and mutual support. This leads to a higher level of engagement, in part, because each team member feels appreciated. Each team member gives toward the support of the whole, and in turn receives from the others.
In less successful teams, the giving is only one way. The result in high generosity/gratitude teams is higher productivity and greater satisfaction at work.
3. Generosity = Happiness.
One of the most interesting findings regarding generosity and the brain includes the links in one’s brain that connect generosity and happiness. The research has found that even small acts of giving trigger a positive emotional experience.
Perhaps the most powerful benefit of all is the positive emotions that are created when a connection is made between the giver and the recipient. The feeling of a shared purpose transcends to bond the relationship.
How can you contribute to a more successful team and organization through your generosity? Sharing information? A simple “thank you”? A small, but meaningful gesture to show appreciation?
Please respond in the comments below and share your generosity tips.
P.S. I was recently a guest on The Leadership Habit Podcast where I spoke about how you can promote yourself in an authentic way.
Click here and listen in on the many tips that I shared!