April 20, 2003

 

 

THE GENEROSITY FACTOR

Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure

 

Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy

Zondervan, 2002, 124 pp.

 

When I was in grade school, some of the essays in our readers were stories with a moral on how we should live.  I’ve decided that’s what these little Ken Blanchard management books are – stories with a point for executives on how to lead.  This one is the fictionalized story of S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A.  The circumstances are changed but the point is that this executive seeks every day to give of his time, treasure, talent, and touch to those who are in some way disadvantaged.  Further, he tries to teach this principle to other executives.

 

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Jesus (9)

 

“Giving—of talent, time, and money—can hurt.  It can mean sacrifice.  An individual who gives may have to forego a new computer or season tickets to a favorite sporting event.  A family that gives may have to pass on two extra days of their vacation or a bigger audio system in the new car.  A corporation that gives may not be able to reassure its shareholders with the answers they demand.  A church or synagogue that gives may have to forget about its own perceived needs for a new video projection system or some other elaborate, costly improvement to its facilities.”  (10, bf. mine)

 

“Knowing God takes place in the heart.  I discovered a long time ago that if my heart was filled with greed and ambition, there was no room left for God.  So I gave Him my heart, my possessions, my talents, and my time.  Then He told me, ‘Since you’ve given it all to me, I know I can trust you to manage it.’” (47)

 

“A generous person quickly discovers that each new day provides new opportunities to impact the lives of others.  Every day we can find countless ways—great and small—to make someone’s life better.” (51)

 

“Held values are what people say.  Operational values are what people do.”  (60)

 

            Success         vs.       Significance               (64)

            Wealth                         Generosity

            Achievement                Service

            Status                          Relationships

 

“I see profits as merely the score of the game, not the name of the game.  My game is selling auto parts and service.  If I do a good job of that, my customers give me their money in return.  If I take exceptional care of my team members, they give their best service and their warmest smiles to the customers.”  (67)

 

“It’s not all about getting.  It’s about giving.”  (68)

 

The three M’s:  Master, Mission, Mate.  (72)

 

Corporate Purpose:

  1. To glorify God by being faithful stewards of all that is entrusted to us.
  2. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with our company.    (80)

 

Five key points:

·        He owns it all.

·        Everyday is an opportunity.

·        Action is required.

·        Remember your blessings.

·        Thank Him.   (104)