“To whom much is given, much is required-not expected, but required.” —Andrew Young
The first of a new year is a great time for reflection. Not just a time to reflect on personal aspects of your life, not just the status of your professional aspirations, but where do you stand as a leader. In the areas you are given much, whether it be status; knowledge; wealth; or experience, much is expected of you. According to Andrew Young, much is required of you. Here are four ways to share what you have been given.
Your care
Everyone needs someone to truly care about them as an individual. Whether it be in your home, workplace, or community; take a genuine interest in others. Empathize with them in their struggles and rejoice with them in their successes.
Your ear
There is almost no greater gift you can give than to listen to others. Everyone has a story they long to share; they have opinions, concerns, and ideas. Give them the opportunity to be heard, to be acknowledged, and to be validated.
Your encouragement
Your encouragement can make all the difference in the success of others. We all need to be encouraged, for someone to show confidence in our abilities, and to have faith in our dreams. Your encouragement can inspire others to overcome barriers and reach new heights.
Your investment
Sharing your knowledge and experience can be on unbelievable benefit to others. When you invest your time and your resources in helping others grow, you are paying it forward. Your investment can lift up the next generation of leaders who in turn can help lift others.
Opportunity for Others
Use what you have been given as a tool for providing opportunity for others. Show genuine care, listen earnestly, offer them encouragement, and invest your time and resources in them. To whom much is given, much is expected; it’s time to start showing gratitude for all you have been given by sharing it with others.
© 2016 Elizabeth Stincelli
Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations change attitudes, change communication dynamics, improve collaboration and problem-solving, engage employees, and strengthen organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.
Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com or engagenow.me and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.
Happy New Year Liz, and thank you for this timely, well-articulated blog.
As we enter into the new year, I agree that giving thought and consideration to others will enhance our lives, both personally and professionally, each day of 2017.
In 2017, I have made a personal pledge to undertake more pro-bono mentoring activities, as a way to give back for all that i have received in my professionals career.
May your 2017 be filled with good health, joyfulness, and prosperity.
Great pledge for the new year, Steve! You serve as a fantastic example of a leader who makes a difference in the lives of others. I am grateful to you.
That’s an awesome goal. I hope you enJOY stellar success in your paid work as well as finding deserving and motivated clients for your pro bono mentoring.
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you.
I love this, Liz. It follows my outlook on life very closely. Of course it probably has a lot to do with my faith too. I don’t know who Andrew Young is but the Bible says in Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” I’m thankful that there a people like you in the world who understand that we are here to help each other. Good article!!
Jane, you are such a great example of this concept. I truly believe that when we are a blessing to others, we are blessed 10 fold in return. I hope you know what a blessing you are in my life and the lives of so many others.