This year starts with a favorite theme of mine: generosity. We tend to think of generosity as a financial gift. But it is so much more.
Here’s a question: where does your professional or relational credibility originate? What is it you do, or think, or say, or own, or believe, or who do you know, or where do you live, that gives you credibility in the eyes of your family, friends, coworkers, employees, or employer?
Let me be clear — credibility comes from our character. But professionally, even relationally, we are known for certain things. It might be skills, knowledge, hard work, or any number of traits. People identify us this way. We gain credibility in their eyes because we are known by these traits.
So where does your professional (or relational) credibility originate?
By answering this question I believe you are defining the “currency” that you use to pay your way through life. Like the currencies of different countries, some have more value than others do. For instance, in Silicon Valley a huge currency is the ability to develop new technology. Ideas are the currency that provide credibility.
In my business of real estate investment, you have to prove you can actually raise the funds to pull a deal together. Creativity isn’t nearly as important as having access to capital. Technical wizardry is almost without value. But access to capital is what makes you a player.
In some arenas you will find that the currency is based on talent. A person with a beautiful voice is valued in the musical industry. A ballplayer is valued in the athletic arena.
For a doctor, attorney, architect or other professional service, the initial currency is often an education. A valuable currency is an MBA from Harvard. Less valuable – but still well worth having – is a law degree from a night school.
I often find that the currency of ministry is relationship. Do people trust you? Do they consider you a friend?
I could go on and on with examples, but you get the point by now. Our professional credibility will stem from a particular “currency.” That currency, in turn, will translate into what we often deem success.
So what is the currency through which you gain credibility? My point here is not to send you off on some deep self-analysis, or to enter into an argument about the value of your soul and heart versus the value of what you do.
My point here is to ask you this question so you can gain clarity. That’s important because once you know the “currency” being used, you are able to rethink what generosity might mean for you.
Generosity is much more than actual cash. It is what you have to share. Find your currency. Then share it.