For centuries, we have explored and been inspired to fully grasp and understand the significant power of our thoughts. Undoubtedly, what we think, determines the direction, quality and importantly, the emotional greatness of our lives.
As philanthropic leaders, many also understand the impact this thinking has on the direction and the quality of the lives of those around us. In a sense, what a philanthropic leader thinks about is advancing the welfare of others.
We have often observed this form of leadership throughout the ages, although it is not always obvious. From acts of kindness to significantly generous contributions, ultimately, each of us is a leader of philanthropy.
Some years ago, two personal experiences defined philanthropy for me, both happening during the same Japanese business trip.
The first occurred upon my breathless arrival to the airport after an unexpected delay on the highway. Able to quickly catch the attention of a skycap (and my breath), I lamented my late arrival and my lack of familiarity with the airport. Much to my absolute surprise, this person quickly weaved me through the airport on time to my gate.
The second experience, a more dramatic one, occurred in Kanizawa, Japan.
During my free time in Kanizawa, I choose to explore a home factory that specialized in a traditional type of embroidery. The home factory housed a group of 20 Japanese embroiderers, delicately embroidering intricate designs on a wide band of silk fabric.
As I looked at each thread, I spotted glittering flicks, immediately realizing the embroiderers were using threads of gold, silver and copper! So intrigued by the beauty of the embroidery, I wondered if I could purchase a wall hanging.
Following a lengthy conversation in Japanese, my request was granted. Only much, much later did I learn that what these generous hands embroidered was meant for a specialized and traditional purpose and not for wall hangings!
The generous thinking of the airport employee and the generous gift of the embroiderer taught me powerful lessons about the act of philanthropy. Ultimately, it is a sense of caring, developing and enhancing the lives of others.
The strategic behavior of philanthropy is the way we think, exhibited through acts of kindness and consideration. One leader I know embodies this as he and a small group of friends travel annually to a small African community, bettering the lives of the children and their families by building schools and bringing a wealth of knowledge and goods to these African people.
These leaders are unknown; yet embody the strategic habits of philanthropic leadership, lifting the world of humanity.
There are many, in our community alone, who are philanthropic leaders. Envision these leaders and experiment with a philanthropic thought exercise. Consider how these leaders, and others, are thinking, caring and enhancing our lives. This is the moment to begin a thought exercise to actively reflect on the vast opportunities for expanding and strengthening your philanthropic leadership practices. ●
Donna Rae Smith is founder and CEO at The Bright Side Inc.
