E-couragement: Empty Your Bank
“One person with a commitment is worth a hundred who only have an interest.” Mary Crowley
When my oldest daughter was six, we participated in a program to collect money for hunger relief in third world countries. I thought this would be a great opportunity to teach Taylor about the art of giving. That’s what dads and leaders do—they teach—and people learn. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
The program included a brochure from Manna International. On the outside of the brochure was a picture of a young, malnourished boy, drinking dirty water from a spigot with a rusty and broken metal cup. Inside was a calendar. Each day had a question followed by instructions. Example:
May 1st: If you have more than one pair of shoes, give 5 cents. May 2nd: If you eat more than one meal per day, give 25 cents.
And so on…
Each morning I’d announce, “Taylor, get your bank; it’s time to do your giving calendar.” She would reluctantly obey, hoping the financial dent would be minimal. She was marginally compliant with my intent to teach her to be a gracious giver.
One week into our project, she stared at the brochure and asked: “Dad, when we collect this money, will it help this boy buy a new shiny cup?” I thought, and then responded, “I bet this money could buy him a new cup.” Taylor pondered that a moment and then walked away with a little more pep in her step.
The next day, she was waiting for me to read our assignment. May9th: If you have your own mode of transportation, give twenty-five cents. Out came a quarter from her bank into our collection pile. Wow, I thought. This is what I call commitment!
May 31st: If you live in a house with just one family, give fifteen cents. Taylor reached into her bank and extracted her coins. “Dad,” she said, “I want to give all my money for the boy’s new cup!” Isn’t that nice, I thought. But that’s not what the program requires.
I replied, “Taylor, that sure is thoughtful of you, but the program only asks for fifteen cents today. You’ve done a good job; we’re ready to turn your money in. Go ahead and take your bank back to your room.” As the teacher and leader, it seemed to me that this lesson was complete.
A week later, I was in a meeting. The discussion turned to the challenge of leading teams toward meaningful goals and the temptation for people to “hold back” or not give their all. I was immediately reminded of my last “teaching session” with Taylor. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
I hurried back home from my appointment and called Taylor’s name. Kneeling down at eye level, I said, “Taylor, I was wrong; you were right. You should have given it all. I’m sorry I stopped you. Whenever you believe so strongly in something again, go ahead and give everything you’ve got.”
Taylor had become the teacher, and I the student.
What a lesson on commitment she had taught me. Having a deep belief in something will cost you. It may cost more than you initially bargained for. As an engaging leader you’ll need to be committed to those who follow. You’ve got to go beyond the surface level. Giving “15 cents from your bank” may feel like you’re fully supportive of a person or an ideal. Take a lesson from Taylor; until you’re willing to give it all you may be interested…but not committed.
Leave your comments: Recall a time when you knew a boss or peer was fully committed to you…what was most meaningful about it? As an engaging leader, how do you demonstrate your commitment to those you lead?